How has Rs 4,322 crores been disbursed to 1.35 cr TB patients since 2018 for nutritional support?
Synopsis
In a significant announcement, the Indian government revealed that over Rs 4,322 crores have been allocated to support 1.35 crore tuberculosis patients via the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, enhancing their nutritional intake during treatment. This initiative is part of the broader commitment to eradicate TB in the nation by 2025.
Key Takeaways
Rs 4,322 crores allocated for TB patients since 2018.
1.35 crore patients benefitting from nutritional support.
Monthly aid increased to Rs 1,000 under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana.
The Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative has distributed 45.66 lakh food baskets.
Focus on eradicating TB in India by 2025 .
New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) The government has disclosed that a staggering Rs 4,322 crores has been allocated to assist 1.35 crore individuals suffering from tuberculosis (TB) since 2018, as part of the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana aimed at enhancing nutritional support. This information was shared in the Parliament on Tuesday.
In a formal statement during the Rajya Sabha session, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, outlined the initiatives undertaken to bolster the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan programme, which is part of the National TB Elimination Programme executed under the National Health Mission (NHM) throughout the nation.
Patel emphasized, "Since April 2018, Rs 4,322 crores has been disbursed to 1.35 crores TB patients under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana."
Initiated on April 1, 2018, the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana is designed to provide nutritional assistance to TB patients during their treatment, offering financial support of Rs 1,000 per month, an increase from the previous Rs 500, to enhance their nutrition and therapeutic outcomes. The financial aid is directed to all registered TB patients via their bank accounts.
Furthermore, under the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative, since September 2022, a total of 45.66 lakh food baskets have been distributed to 20.3 lakh TB patients, as noted by Patel.
The Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative, launched as part of India's Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, is a community-oriented program where individuals, NGOs, and organizations (dubbed "Ni-kshay Mitras") "adopt" TB patients to provide essential support, including nutritional aid (food/supplements), diagnostic services, and vocational training, complementing the free treatment from the government to ensure patients complete their treatment, minimize out-of-pocket expenses, and ultimately eradicate TB in India by 2025.
The Minister highlighted that a revitalized strategy is being put into action under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to identify undiagnosed TB cases, reduce TB-related fatalities, and avert new infections nationwide.
This approach includes identifying vulnerable populations, conducting screenings with Chest X-rays, implementing upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for all presumptive TB cases, initiating prompt and appropriate treatments, offering differentiated care for high-risk TB cases, providing nutritional support, and administering preventive treatment to household contacts and eligible vulnerable populations.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the government's ongoing commitment to public health through initiatives like the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana. The allocation of significant financial resources for nutritional support reflects an understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by TB patients, aiming to enhance both their health outcomes and overall well-being. This approach is vital in the national effort to eradicate tuberculosis in India.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana?
The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana is a government initiative launched to provide nutritional support to tuberculosis patients during their treatment, offering financial assistance to enhance their health and treatment outcomes.
How much financial assistance do TB patients receive under this scheme?
Under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana, TB patients are provided with Rs 1,000 per month to improve their nutritional intake.
How many TB patients have benefited from this initiative?
Since its launch in 2018, 1.35 crore TB patients have received support through the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana.
What additional initiatives support TB patients?
The Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative complements the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana by enabling community members and organizations to provide additional support, including food baskets, diagnostic services, and vocational training for TB patients.
What are the goals of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan?
The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aims to identify and treat TB cases effectively, reduce TB-related deaths, and prevent new infections across India, with the goal of eradicating TB by 2025 .
