Tuberculosis in India: Progress, Persistent Gaps, and Priority Actions – Narrative Review

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health concern globally and diversely affects India. Despite notable progress in case detection and treatment coverage, India accounts for the highest share of the global TB burden. This article summarizes the current epidemiology of TB, persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and health system performance, and delineates priority actions needed to reduce TB deaths and intensify progress towards End TB targets. Specific importance is placed on delayed diagnosis, DR TB, treatment failure, comorbidities, and the health care system weakness that affect the high-risk population. This review underscores the need for patient-centric care pathways, early risk sorting, strengthening the referral system, and improving accountability to achieve a reduction in TB cases and deaths.