Background
- Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in India, which has the highest TB burden globally.
- The National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) aims to eradicate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target (2030).
- Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) is a major concern, requiring longer and costlier treatment regimens.
Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Governance)
Key Findings (2022 Data)
Decline in TB Incidence & Mortality
- TB incidence: Below 200 per lakh population, a 16% decline from 2015 (237 per lakh).
- TB mortality: 23 per lakh, showing an 18% decline from 2015.
Treatment Success Rates (2021 Data)
- MDR/RR-TB (Multidrug-resistant TB) → 74% success rate
- Pre-XDR-TB (Resistant to fluoroquinolones) → 68% success rate
- Severely drug-resistant TB → Lowest success rate at 45%
- Overall improvement in treatment success rates over time.
State Performance in TB Fight (TB Index)
- Top performers: Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat
- Bottom performers: Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka
Healthcare Expenditure & Coverage
- Over 10% of the Indian population faces catastrophic health expenditure, ranking 3rd highest among 14 high TB-burden lower-middle-income countries.
- Health coverage: Just over 60% of the population is covered, but high out-of-pocket spending remains a challenge.
Forward Linkages & Way Forward
Strengthening NTEP:
- Ensuring early detection, free diagnostics, and universal drug access.
- Expanding Nikshay Poshan Yojana (nutritional support for TB patients).
Combatting Drug-Resistant TB:
- Need for shorter, more effective treatment regimens (e.g., BPaL regimen).
- Increasing second-line drug availability and adherence monitoring.
Reducing Financial Burden:
- Expanding PMJAY (Ayushman Bharat) coverage for TB patients.
- Providing direct cash transfers for those facing catastrophic health expenditure.
State-Level Best Practices Replication:
- Himachal, Odisha, and Gujarat models should be studied and implemented in low-performing states.
Global TB Eradication Goal Alignment:
- Aligning India’s TB policies with WHO’s End TB Strategy to meet the 2025 goal.
