Understanding the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana for TB Patients

Understanding the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana

The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) is a crucial initiative launched by the central government under the National Health Mission (NHM). This program aims to provide essential nutritional support to individuals suffering from tuberculosis (TB) in India. The initiative addresses the common issue of malnutrition, which poses significant challenges to effective TB treatment.

Recent Enhancements to the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana

Recently, the Union Health Ministry has implemented several important changes to the NPY:

• Doubled monthly support: The monthly nutritional support for TB patients has increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000.
• Expanded coverage: Now, household contacts of TB patients qualify for social support under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
• Energy-dense nutrition supplementation: Patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 18.5 receive additional nutritional supplements to combat undernutrition.
• Increased overall support: All TB patients are now entitled to receive nutritional support ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 during their treatment.

Eligibility for the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana

All TB patients registered on the Ni-kshay portal are eligible for the NPY, including both existing and newly diagnosed patients.

Method of Support Delivery

Nutritional support can be delivered either as cash through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or in kind through food baskets. The method of delivery is determined by each state's specific implementation plan.

Importance of Doubling the Nutritional Support

The decision to double nutritional support is crucial for several reasons:

• Improved treatment adherence: Adequate nutrition enhances a patient's ability to follow their medication schedule, reducing the chances of drug resistance and relapse.
• Faster recovery: Proper nutrition strengthens the immune system, facilitating quicker recovery from TB.
• Reduced mortality: Addressing malnutrition can effectively lower death rates among TB patients.
• Improved quality of life: Enhanced nutrition contributes to a better overall quality of life for TB patients during and post-treatment.

Overview of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

This national campaign, initiated by the Prime Minister of India, aims to eliminate tuberculosis from the country by 2025. The campaign emphasizes community involvement, early diagnosis, and comprehensive support for patients, including nutritional assistance.

Support Through the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative

The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative encourages individuals, NGOs, and corporations to support TB patients by providing nutritional, emotional, and social aid. This program addresses the social and economic challenges that TB patients and their families encounter.

Overall Impact of Recent Changes

The adjustments made to the NPY and the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan are anticipated to significantly enhance TB care in India by:

• Strengthening nutritional support: Ensuring that TB patients receive sufficient nutrition throughout their treatment journey.
• Expanding community engagement: Actively involving communities in TB care and offering support to patients and their families.
• Accelerating progress towards TB elimination: Improving treatment outcomes and contributing to India's objective of becoming TB-free by 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provide for TB patients?
Answer: The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana offers nutritional support to TB patients, aiming to improve their health and treatment outcomes through enhanced dietary assistance.

Q2. How is the support from the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana delivered?
Answer: Nutritional support is provided either as cash through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or in kind via food baskets, depending on the state's implementation plan.

Q3. Who is eligible for the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana?
Answer: All TB patients registered on the Ni-kshay portal, including both existing and newly diagnosed patients, are eligible for the program.

Q4. What is the role of the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative?
Answer: The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative allows individuals and organizations to provide nutritional, emotional, and social support to TB patients, helping to alleviate their challenges.

Q5. Why is doubling nutritional support significant?
Answer: Doubling nutritional support for TB patients is crucial as it improves adherence to treatment, accelerates recovery, reduces mortality rates, and enhances overall quality of life.