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Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana Support Increased from ₹500 to ₹1000 per Month for All TB Patients
Government Approves Additional Allocation of ₹1040 Crores for Nutritional Support
In a landmark step towards eradicating tuberculosis (TB) and enhancing patient care, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda, has announced significant enhancements to the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY). As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate TB and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Shri Nadda revealed that the monthly nutrition support for all TB patients under the NPY will be doubled from ₹500 to ₹1,000 for the entire duration of their treatment.
This increase in financial support is expected to provide substantial relief to TB patients, helping to address the nutritional deficits that often accompany the disease. “The government is committed to accelerating the elimination of TB, and nutrition plays a critical role in the recovery and overall health of TB patients,” Shri Nadda stated.
Additional Allocation and New Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation
In addition to the increase in monthly support, the government has approved an additional ₹1040 crore to be allocated for nutritional support under the NPY. The funds will be shared between the Centre and state governments on a 60:40 basis.
Further expanding the scope of support, Shri Nadda also announced the introduction of Energy Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS) for all TB patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5 at the time of diagnosis. Approximately 12 lakh underweight patients will benefit from this initiative, receiving EDNS for the first two months of their treatment. The goal is to help these patients recover faster by improving their nutritional status and enhancing their immune response to TB treatment.
“This comprehensive approach will not only benefit the 25 lakh TB patients diagnosed annually but also focus on the most vulnerable—those with significant nutritional deficiencies,” said Shri Nadda.
Expansion of Ni-Kshay Mitra to Include Household Contacts
In a further bid to support the families of TB patients, the Ni-Kshay Mitra initiative under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) will now cover household contacts of TB patients. Ni-Kshay Mitras will distribute food baskets to family members of TB patients to strengthen their immunity, reducing their risk of contracting TB and other illnesses. This move is aimed at mitigating the out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) faced by TB patients and their families, providing a holistic approach to the management of the disease.
Direct Benefit Transfer Success
The Union Health Minister also highlighted the success of the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which has disbursed ₹3,202 crores to 1.13 crore beneficiaries to date. This financial aid ensures that TB patients receive timely support for essential nutritional needs, thereby aiding in their recovery.
Impact on TB Elimination
The announced measures are expected to significantly improve the health outcomes of TB patients, promoting faster recovery, reducing mortality, and bringing India closer to its goal of eliminating TB by 2025. By addressing both the health and social determinants of TB, including malnutrition and economic barriers, the government is taking a multifaceted approach to combat the disease.
These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to not only treat but also prevent TB by supporting both patients and their families, marking a major stride in the nation’s fight against tuberculosis.
