Govt raises TB patient aid to Rs 1,000 per month, reduces drug-resistant TB treatment duration: Nadda
New Delhi, August 11
Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Tuesday said the government has doubled the financial support provided to tuberculosis patients from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month to help them maintain a nutritious diet.
He also emphasised the need to sensitise Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies and other public representatives to strengthen the campaign against TB.
Nadda made the remarks while interacting with parliamentarians from Keralam and Karnataka on the 'TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan', highlighting the measures being taken by the government to eliminate tuberculosis and reduce its prevalence in the country.
Nadda said TB patients are provided medicines free of cost, including those undergoing treatment through private doctors.
"It is not only the medicine, but we also give free medicine. Even if it's a private doctor who is treating, the medicines are given free. So the medicine part is not only there, but we also give them Rs 1,000 per month to see to it that they take a good diet," Nadda said.
He stated that the enhanced financial assistance is aimed at ensuring that patients are able to maintain a proper diet during their treatment.
The Health Minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has undertaken several measures under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to eliminate tuberculosis and reduce its prevalence in India.
Stressing the government's efforts to make tuberculosis (TB) treatment shorter and more patient-friendly, Union Health Minister Nadda said the treatment duration for drug-resistant TB has been reduced from 12-24 months to six months under the BPaL regimen.
He stated that the treatment for drug-sensitive TB patients is also completed within six months through fixed-dose combinations of medicines.
"There are drug-resistant patients. So for them, the medicine is used to continue for 12 to 24 months. Now, it has been reduced to six months, which we call the BPaL regimen. So that regimen is what we are introducing. So the burden is becoming less, and it is also patient-friendly," Nadda added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, some relief for TB patients! The BPaL regimen reducing treatment from 24 months to 6 months is a game-changer. 🙏 My uncle suffered for two years battling drug-resistant TB - the long treatment was both physically and financially draining. This will help so many families.
Good initiative but I wish the government would also focus on diagnosing TB early. Many people still hide their symptoms due to social stigma, especially in small towns. The aid amount should maybe also be linked to inflation annually so patients don't suffer later.
Shorter treatment duration means patients can return to work sooner and support their families. The idea of sensitizing MPs and MLAs is also smart - we need all political leaders to take up this cause at the grassroots level. 👏 Well done Health Ministry.
I appreciate the effort but implementation is key. In my hometown, patients often don't even know they can get this aid. The government needs a stronger awareness campaign in local languages, not just through health centres. Also, ensure the money reaches the patient's bank account directly without delays.
It's heartening to see health policies evolving in India. The BPaL regimen has proven results globally, and we're now adopting it for the masses. The emphasis on nutrition is also crucial because TB treatment really drains the body. Good work, Minister Nadda.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.