The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee in his message on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, which is observed every year on March 24, has said:-

"On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, I urge all Indians to work unitedly to bring an end to the scourge of Tuberculosis within our country. It is a matter of deep concern that TB continues to kill one person every two minutes or almost 750 people daily within India.

Global TB control is unattainable without controlling the incidence of TB in India. Our endeavour should be improved diagnosis of TB patients and providing high-quality treatment for all diagnosed cases.

Let us commit ourselves to building health care systems in the country which are equitable, affordable and accessible by all sections of the society. I am confident with determined efforts, we can establish a TB-free India within a short period of time”.