Union Health Minister Nadda Launches JOSH Teams to Accelerate Youth-Led TB Elimination Efforts

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, today launched JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at a national event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a significant step towards strengthening youth-led community participation in India’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis. The initiative seeks to harness the energy, outreach and commitment of young people to take the message of TB prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and stigma reduction to communities across the country.

Addressing the Shri Nadda, described the launch of JOSH Teams as a significant milestone in India’s collective fight against tuberculosis. He said that the country’s efforts towards a TB Mukt Bharat have evolved from a conventional health programme into a people’s movement, with Jan Bhagidari and community ownership emerging as the defining pillars of the national response. He emphasised that the goal of eliminating TB cannot be achieved by government interventions alone and requires the active participation of communities, citizens, elected representatives, frontline workers and, particularly, the youth of the country.

Speaking at the Occasion, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, said that the vision of a “Swasth Nagarik, Swasth Samaj, Swasth Desh” can be realised when citizens actively contribute towards building a healthier society. He highlighted the importance of people’s involvement in national health missions, noting that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently encouraged communities to spread awareness, support those in need and motivate people to seek timely treatment

Welcoming the national launch of the JOSH (Joint Squad for Health) Teams, Smt. Rekha Gupta said that the initiative marks an important step towards strengthening India’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by taking the campaign directly to communities.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, said that the fight against TB must reach every village, settlement and household, particularly those where fear and stigma may prevent people from seeking timely care.

Pankaj Singh, Minister of Health, Government of NCT of Delhi; Manoj Tiwari, Harsh Malhotra, Yogendra Chandolia and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Ms. Swati Maliwal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, AS & MD, NHM and Representatives from the Government of NCT of Delhi, MY Bharat, National Cadet Corps (NCC) were present at the event.(UPDATED ON 8TH OCT 2026)