A big decision has been taken by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday (October 7, 2024) for TB patients. Several important initiatives have been launched to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to TB elimination. In the biggest initiative, the nutritional support to TB patients under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month, which will be applicable for the entire period of treatment.
Government has launched energy dense nutritional supplements for all patients with BMI less than 18.5 and has allowed to extend the scope and coverage of Nikshay Mitra initiative to family members of TB patients under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Now all TB patients will get nutritional support of Rs 3,000 to 6,000 under Nikshay Nutrition Scheme. The increase in NPY support will benefit all 25 lakh TB patients in a year, while the introduction of Energy Density Nutrition Supplementation (EDNS) will benefit approximately 12 lakh vulnerable patients (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2). < /p>
The Centre’s initiative can significantly reduce the expenses incurred by TB patients and their families. The Union Health Minister said that till now Rs 3,202 crore has been given to 1.13 crore beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer under the Nikshay Nutrition Scheme. These measures are expected to improve nutritional status of TB patients, improve treatment and outcomes, and reduce TB mortality in India.
Expenditure will be divided between central and state governments
EDNS will be provided to all eligible patients for the first two months of their treatment. This move will cost the Government of India approximately Rs 1,040 crore, which will be shared between the Center and the states on a 60:40 basis.
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