Enhanced Nutrition Support for TB Patients in India

Strategic Insights -

In a major boost to the fight against tuberculosis, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has announced an increase in monthly support for all TB patients under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) to ₹1,000 from ₹500. Additionally, the government has approved an additional allocation of ₹1,040 crores to NPY for nutritional support, with a focus on energy-dense nutrition supplementation for underweight patients. Household contacts of TB patients will also be covered under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, with social support from the community. These initiatives are expected to aid nutritional recovery, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce mortality due to TB in India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The monthly support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana has been increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 for all TB patients, effective immediately.
  • The government has approved an additional allocation of ₹1,040 crores to Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support, with a 60:40 sharing between the central and state governments.
  • All household contacts of TB patients will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and will be eligible for social support from the community.
  • Energy-dense nutrition supplementation will be provided to all eligible patients for the first two months of their treatment, costing the government an additional ₹1,040 crores.
  • The initiative aims to improve nutritional recovery, treatment outcomes, and reduce mortality due to TB in India.
  • The government has disbursed ₹3,202 crores to 1.13 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana till date.
  • The program aims to benefit 25 lakh TB patients in a year, with an additional provision for 12 lakh underweight patients.

Statistics:

  • Increased monthly support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana: ₹1,000 from ₹500
  • Additional allocation for Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana: ₹1,040 crores
  • Number of beneficiaries under Direct Benefit Transfer: 1.13 crores
  • Total amount disbursed under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana: ₹3,202 crores
  • Number of TB patients in India: 25 lakh
  • Estimated number of underweight patients: 12 lakh

Sources:

  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Press Release (exact wording not available online, accessed directly from the government source)
  • Twitter account of Union Health Minister @JPNadda (https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1180443335256207360)