The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced an increase in direct benefit transfer under NPY.
The scheme includes providing nutritional supplements to underweight patients and extending support to families.
NPY is a significant step towards addressing the nutritional and economic challenges faced by TB patients.
Social Determinants of TB
TB is closely linked to poverty and associated factors like overcrowding and undernutrition.
Poverty increases the prevalence of risk factors for TB, including diabetes, smoking, and alcohol.
Undernutrition is a major contributor to new TB cases in India.
Inadequate access to primary care, poor quality of care, and non-adherence to treatment worsen TB outcomes.
Impact of TB on Patients
TB can lead to income loss, financial burdens, food insecurity, and inability to work.
Many TB patients in India suffer from severe undernutrition, affecting treatment outcomes.
Undernutrition is associated with a higher risk of death during and after TB treatment.
TB-affected households often face food insecurity.
Role of Nutritional Support
Nutritional support is crucial for TB patients due to its clinical benefits, public health impact, and ethical implications.
Nutritional support can improve treatment adherence, weight gain, return to work, and reduce mortality risk.
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nutritional support, including food baskets, in improving TB outcomes.
Challenges and Recommendations for NPY
Staff Burden: TB program staff may be overburdened with additional responsibilities, impacting NPY implementation.
Access Barriers: Vulnerable communities may face difficulties in accessing benefits due to lack of identification, bank accounts, or distance.
Impact of Non-Receipt of Benefits: Non-receipt of NPY benefits is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
Way forward
Dedicated human resources for NPY activities.
Contextualized counseling materials for patients and families.
Reevaluation of energy-dense supplements and consideration of food baskets.
Redesign of Nikshay Mitra to improve coverage of vulnerable populations.
Integration of nutritional support with other aspects of TB care.
Nikshay Mitra is an initiative that aims to help tuberculosis (TB) patients by providing them with nutritional, diagnostic, and vocational support. The initiative was launched by President Droupadi Murmu and is part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Conclusion
Addressing TB requires a comprehensive approach that includes nutritional, financial, and social support.
Effective implementation of NPY and addressing associated challenges can significantly improve TB outcomes in India.
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