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alence of poverty and malnutrition in India. raj institutions to understand TB issues and take nec-
Fourth, Comorbidities. The disease prognosis in pa- essary actions.
tients with diabetes, HIV, Smoking and Chronic Ob- The major findings of India Tuberculosis report 2024
structive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is even poorer as by Health ministry said that notified TB patients were
these comorbidities increase respiratory infections, 25.52 lakh in 2023(increase from 24.22 lakh cases in
increases complications, decreases recovery poten- 2022), 67% reporting of cases done by the public sec-
tial, and increases disease morbidity and mortality. In tor and 33% from private sector, treatment success
a study in Chennai in 2012 it was found that prev- rate among notified drug resistant TB is 65%. Talking
alence of Diabetes in TB patients was around 25% of achievements, Target of initiating treatment in 95%
showing the strong affinity of both. of patients diagnosed with the infection was achieved
in 2023, Decline of incidence of TB was 16% in com-
Fifth, High Treatment costs. The government pro- parison to 2015, Reduction in mortality was 18% in
vides free TB treatment but poor accessibility com- comparison to 2015, Increase in proportion of noti-
pels one to resort to private sector for treatment. The fied TB patients receiving financial support through
cost varies from 25,000 to 30,000 rupees and can go Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) was 70% (as against a
even higher in cases of target of 90% by 2023).
Drug-resistant TB where
basic TB medicines fail. The nation is working to-
WHO says India has the wards TB free India but
highest incidence burden there are further steps
of MDR (multi drug re- that need to be taken like
sistance) TB in the world enabling early detection
causing patients and their by ramping up health in-
families suffer financially frastructure, Precise treat-
too. ment categorization such
as resistant status at the
Sixth, High drop-out beginning of treatment,
rates. Inability to com- Ensuring regular follow
plete the full TB treatment up, Strengthening nutri-
course due to migration, tional support to patients,
absence of regular follow Dynamic Notification
up and poor compliance system for improved no-
by patient prevents the cure of disease and only pro- tification system to capture real-time TB data, De-
motes severe relapse of disease. centralization of TB service delivery to the level of ‘
After knowing the challenges, it is also important to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’, Increase investment in
know what government is doing to control tuber- TB (every dollar spent on screening of TB , there is
culosis. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Pro- potential benefit of $39- WHO).
gramme (NTEP) aims to reduce TB burden by 2025,
five years ahead of global target of 2030 (to reduce TB Hence the path to TB elimination in India requires
incidence by 80%, TB deaths by 90% and reduce TB concerted effort to prioritize individual centered care,
affected families facing catastrophic cost). We also ‘TB address social determinants of health and embrace
Haarega Desh Jeetega’ campaign to promote aware- innovation. By adopting a holistic approach, India
ness about the disease. Nikshay (Ni = end, Kshay= can overcome the barriers that stand in the way of TB
TB) portal has been launched by the government to control and create a healthier future for all its citizens.
keep track of patients. Nikshay Poshan Abhiyaan has
been launched to provide financial incentive for TB
patients registered on Nikshay portal. PM TB Mukt
Bharat Abhiyaan launched for additional patient sup-
port, augment community involvement and leverage
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. TB
Mukt Panchayat initiative for empowering panchayati