Punjab looks to expand community support for TB patients
Chandigarh: Buoyed by signs of a reduction in the tuberculosis (TB) burden, Punjab is now aiming to expand the reach of Nikshay Mitra, a community support initiative that provides nutritional and treatment assistance to TB patients, to further improve treatment outcomes.
Nationally, TB prevalence ranges from 137 to 747 cases per lakh population. In Punjab, the prevalence decreased from 314 to 217 cases per lakh, marking a significant step forward in the state's fight against TB. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air. It is both preventable and curable.
As of now, 28,593 TB patients in Punjab are receiving treatment, and 20,252 of them are enrolled in the Nikshay Mitra programme, which is supported by 792 donors, including corporates, NGOs, institutions, elected representatives, and individuals.
From Jan 1 to June 19, 30,106 TB cases were notified—19,539 through public health facilities and 10,567 through private facilities. Ludhiana reported the highest number of cases (6,343), followed by Amritsar (4,325), Jalandhar (3,164), and Patiala (3,027).
The Nikshay Mitra scheme allows contributors to support TB patients by providing nutritional assistance, diagnostic services, and livelihood opportunities.
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Patients receive Rs 1,000 per month to support dietary needs during treatment. In addition, private health facilities receive Rs 500 for every TB case reported, along with an additional Rs 500 if the patient's treatment outcome is successfully reported.
The govt also provides Rs 500 to non-salaried individuals diagnosed with TB.
Dr Rajesh Bhaskar, head, Punjab TB Cell, said that several initiatives are under way to raise awareness about the programme and encourage greater community participation.
He also shared that Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria instructed all deputy commissioners and civil surgeons to actively reach out to potential donors in their respective districts. A list of local industries and NGOs has been circulated to support this effort, and additional engagement is planned at the state level.
To further strengthen TB control efforts, state and district-level strategic intervention plans have been developed under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), targeting high-burden areas.
All TB patients are provided free drugs and diagnostic services, and active case-finding campaigns are being conducted among vulnerable and high-risk populations.
Governor steps up support
Dr Bhaskar shared that governor Gulab Chand Kataria personally adopted 100 TB patients and asked the health department to identify another 100 patients each from two districts. These new patients will receive his support after the current six-month support period for the initial group of 100 patients from Tarn Taran concludes.
TB Cases Notified
District | Public notified | Private notified
Ludhiana | 2,753 | 3,590
Amritsar | 2,412 | 1,913
Jalandhar | 1,544 | 1,620
Patiala | 1,640 | 1,387
MSID:: 121883101 413 |
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