In a move to bolster nutritional support for tuberculosis (TB) patients, Union Health Minister J P Nadda has announced key initiatives under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana. Effective immediately, the monthly support for TB patients has been doubled from ₹500 to ₹1,000 throughout the duration of their treatment.
The government has allocated an additional ₹1,040 crores to the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, aimed at improving the nutritional intake of TB patients across India. This enhancement is expected to benefit all 25 lakh TB patients annually, with a particular focus on underweight individuals. Patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 18.5 will receive energy-dense nutritional supplements for the first two months of their treatment.
Nadda highlighted that these initiatives are part of India’s commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to TB elimination. “This expansion will also cover household contacts of TB patients under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, ensuring they receive necessary social support,” he stated.
As of now, ₹3,202 crores have been disbursed to 1.13 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana. The introduction of this enhanced nutritional support is expected to improve treatment outcomes, aid recovery, and ultimately reduce TB-related mortality in India.
The measures reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of TB, addressing both patient needs and the broader community affected by the disease.