Government Provides Over Rs 4,300 Crores for TB Patient Support

The Indian government has disbursed a total of Rs 4,322 crores to approximately 1.35 crore tuberculosis (TB) patients since the launch of the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana in April 2018. This initiative aims to enhance nutritional support for TB patients undergoing treatment. The announcement was made during a parliamentary session by Anupriya Patel, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Patel outlined the progress of the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, which provides financial assistance of Rs 1,000 per month to TB patients. This amount has increased from Rs 500 to better support patients’ nutritional needs. The financial aid is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring timely access to resources that can aid in their recovery.

Community Support and Nutritional Aid

The government has also implemented the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative since September 2022, which has distributed a total of 45.66 lakh food baskets to around 20.3 lakh TB patients. This community-driven program encourages individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other groups to “adopt” TB patients, providing them with vital additional support. This includes not only nutritional assistance, such as food and supplements, but also diagnostic and vocational aid.

Patel emphasized that the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative is part of the broader effort under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, aimed at eliminating TB in India by 2025. The initiative helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients, ensuring they can complete their treatment without financial strain.

Strengthening TB Elimination Efforts

The government is also adopting a renewed approach to strengthen the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan program, which operates under the National Health Mission (NHM). The strategy focuses on identifying undiagnosed TB cases, reducing TB-related deaths, and preventing new infections across the country.

Key measures include targeting vulnerable populations, utilizing chest X-ray screenings, and implementing upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) for all presumptive TB cases. Prompt initiation of treatment, differentiated care for high-risk patients, and nutrition support are also integral components of this comprehensive strategy.

By enhancing these support mechanisms, the government aims to create a more effective framework for managing TB cases in India, focusing on both treatment and prevention. The initiative reflects a significant commitment to public health and the well-being of TB patients, ensuring they receive both medical and nutritional support as they navigate their treatment journey.