Suddenly the Maharashtra Government seems to have woken up to the deadly threat posed by tuberculosis. There seems to be a serious attempt at the "awakening of the masses' to the possibility that they can contract tuberculosis. The publicity blitzkrieg is amazing, a conscious effort is being made to ensure that the message reaches the target audience. The prevalence of the disease is really high 45 per cent in Mumbai. Medical practitioners have been categorically told that patients who suffer from cough lasting over three weeks must be referred for a tuberculosis test. Tuberculosis or TB is no longer a disease of the poor, confined to the slum pockets. It is as much a disease of the middle and upper middle classes. Stress and other lifestyle changes have made TB a common ailment. An expert revealed that the chemical residue in food is one of the reasons for glandular TB, one of the most common manifestations of the disease. Though, both the Central and State Governments have embarked on sustained awareness drives the disease continues to increase. Alcohol, smoking, irregular meal hours and stress is a potent combination for getting infected, say experts. This combination is bringing down the immunity levels and putting people in the TB risk group. The just announced Budget of the Maharashtra Government does not lay too much emphasis on the health sector. Check the results of the State's Economic Survey and it clearly points to the fact that there has to be an enhanced budgetary allocation for the health sector. The health infrastructure in rural Maharashtra needs to be strengthened as soon as possible. Mere allocation of funds will not ensure this, it should be backed with the political will. If every elected representative worked on the ailing and crumbling health infrastructure in their own constituencies, people may get facilities sooner than later. This is an issue that cannot be pushed under the carpet any longer. Faced with the attack of newer ailments the strengthening of this infrastructure will provide succor to the rural population. Why does any State allow its health infrastructure to deteriorate? Lack of political will is the only answer. Even when issues are raised on the floor of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council not even a percent of the questions asked during the entire duration of the Session of the Legislature pertain to the health sector. The prevalence of chikunguniya in the State proved that there is a need for continuous research and study of diseases and illness that have been presumed eradicated. If chikunguniya can make a comeback after 34 years of dormancy then other diseases will follow. The time has come when the State must enter into strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical giants and set up research facilities that can aid the State in enhancing and strengthening its research facilities. This must be done on a war footing. The reactions to the anti smoking diktat issued by Union Minister for Health Ramadoss indicates that it will be a daunting task to bring down the number of smokers in this country. Ramadoss can clamp the most stringent punishment on the use of tobacco products but it will only continue to be more alluring than restrictive. Statistics point to an increase in the consumption of alcohol and in the number of smokers. Interestingly, the percentage of males in both the categories is steadily declining while that of the fairer sex is increasing. The health of a nation is determined by the health of its population. If any State cannot provide the basic health amenities to its population then there needs to be a serious rethink on the policies. Ramadoss has made the first move, hopefully health ministers in the States will ensure that it is implemented in the greater interest of public health.