New Delhi , February 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Central government is aiming to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) from the country by 2025 and added that the Centre is not only investing in healthcare but also focusing on bringing in employment opportunities.

Addressing a webinar on the budget implementation of the health sector, PM Modi said, "We aim to eliminate tuberculosis from the country by 2025. Wearing masks, early diagnosis and treatment are also important in its prevention." The annual TB report 2020 released in June last year revealed that that around 24.04 lakh TB patients have been notified in 2019. This amounts to a 14 per cent increase in TB notification as compared to the year 2018.

On the government's plan to invest in the health sector, PM Modi said, "Centre is not only investing in healthcare but making sure that such facilities are made available in remote areas too. Investment in healthcare also focuses on bringing in employment opportunities."

Terming this year's health budget as extraordinary, Prime Minister said that last year was "trial by fire" for India and its health sector because of COVID-19 but the country successfully overcame the challenge.