In 2024, Gujarat made strides towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB) in India. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a TB-free nation by 2025. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, the state achieved remarkable results in TB registration and treatment success.
TB Registration and Treatment Success
Gujarat was tasked with registering 145,000 TB patients in 2024. The state successfully identified and registered 137,929 patients. This achievement reflects a commitment to addressing the TB crisis. Furthermore, the treatment completion rate reached 91 per cent, with 124,581 patients completing their treatment. This high rate indicates effective healthcare strategies and patient support.
Financial Assistance for Patients
To alleviate the financial burden on TB patients, the Gujarat government introduced the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Each registered TB patient receives Rs 500 for medication costs. In 2024, the state provided Rs 43.9 crore in financial aid to 118,984 patients. Additionally, the Central government increased financial support to Rs 1,000 per patient starting November 2024. This financial backing is crucial for ensuring adherence to treatment.
Nutrition Support Initiatives
The Prime Minister’s TB-Free India Campaign has been instrumental in providing nutritional assistance to TB patients. Gujarat registered 10,682 Nikshay Mitras on the Nikshay portal. These volunteers distributed 349,534 nutrition kits to support patients’ health during treatment. Proper nutrition is essential for recovery and enhances treatment efficacy.
Intensive Screening Campaign
On December 7, 2024, the Government of India launched a “100-Day Intensive TB Eradication Campaign.” Gujarat participated actively, covering 16 districts and 4 municipal corporations. As of March 20, 2025, 35.75 lakh individuals underwent TB screening. This extensive effort led to the identification of 16,758 new TB patients, who have begun their treatment promptly.
Collaborative Efforts for Nutritional Support
To further enhance nutritional support, Gujarat signed a Memorandum of About (MoU) with Lions Clubs International on March 6, 2025. This partnership aims to provide monthly nutrition kits to all TB patients during their treatment. The involvement of Lions Clubs International is expected to strengthen the delivery of nutritional aid across the state.
Overall Impact and Future Goals
Gujarat’s initiatives have positioned it as a leading state in the fight against TB in India. The combination of financial, nutritional, and medical support is vital for improving recovery rates. Continuous efforts are needed to sustain these positive outcomes and achieve the goal of a TB-free India by 2025.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of financial assistance in improving healthcare outcomes for TB patients in India.
- Explain the significance of nutritional support in the treatment of tuberculosis. How can it affect recovery rates?
- What are the impacts of extensive TB screening campaigns on public health? Discuss with examples.
- Comment on the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in health initiatives, particularly in combating tuberculosis.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of financial assistance in improving healthcare outcomes for TB patients in India.
- Financial assistance reduces the economic burden on TB patients, enabling them to afford necessary medications.
- Programs like the Nikshay Poshan Yojana provide direct financial support, enhancing treatment adherence.
- In 2024, Gujarat allocated Rs 43.9 crore to assist nearly 119,000 patients, illustrating investment in patient care.
- Increased central government support to Rs 1,000 per patient from November 2024 further emphasizes the importance of financial backing.
- Overall, financial aid is crucial for improving treatment completion rates and health outcomes, contributing to the goal of TB elimination.
2. Explain the significance of nutritional support in the treatment of tuberculosis. How can it affect recovery rates?
- Proper nutrition is essential for boosting the immune system, which is vital for TB patients’ recovery.
- Gujarat’s distribution of 349,534 nutrition kits marks the state’s commitment to supporting patients’ dietary needs.
- Malnutrition can lead to treatment failure and prolonged illness, making nutritional support critical for effective therapy.
- Collaborations, like the MoU with Lions Clubs International, ensure consistent nutritional aid throughout the treatment process.
- Enhanced nutrition directly correlates with improved recovery rates and overall health outcomes for TB patients.
3. What are the impacts of extensive TB screening campaigns on public health? Discuss with examples.
- Extensive screening campaigns facilitate early detection of TB, crucial for effective treatment and reducing transmission.
- The “100-Day Intensive TB Eradication Campaign” in Gujarat identified 16,758 new patients, showcasing the effectiveness of proactive screening.
- Screening increases public awareness about TB, encouraging more individuals to seek testing and treatment.
- Such campaigns can reduce the overall TB burden in the community, improving public health outcomes.
- Regular screening helps in monitoring and controlling TB outbreaks, encouraging a healthier population.
4. Comment on the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in health initiatives, particularly in combating tuberculosis.
- Public-private partnerships leverage resources and expertise, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of health initiatives.
- The collaboration with Lions Clubs International in Gujarat exemplifies how NGOs can support public health goals through nutrition distribution.
- Such partnerships can mobilize additional funding and volunteer support, amplifying the impact of government programs.
- They encourage innovation in healthcare delivery, addressing gaps in service provision and patient care.
- Overall, public-private collaborations are essential for achieving comprehensive health outcomes, particularly in challenging areas like TB control.
