1. What are the main obstacles to eradicating TB in India?
The primary challenges include limited access to accurate and affordable TB diagnosis, especially in remote areas; lack of access to free, high-quality treatment and drugs; insufficient nutritional and mental health support for patients; stigma and lack of gender-responsive care; economic burdens on patients and their families; and the need for high-quality healthcare services.
2. Why is TB referred to as a “biosocial problem”?
Tuberculosis is considered a biosocial problem because it is not only a medical condition that requires treatment but also a disease deeply rooted in social and economic inequities. Factors such as poverty, undernutrition, crowded living conditions, and lack of access to quality healthcare exacerbate the risk and severity of TB. Effective solutions thus require addressing both the biological and social determinants of the disease.
3. How is India’s approach to TB elimination seen globally?
India’s efforts in TB elimination are recognized as a new model in the global fight against tuberculosis. With comprehensive strategies including vaccination, preventive treatments, and the deployment of newer, shorter treatment regimens, India is at the forefront of innovative TB management practices. However, the country’s significant burden of TB cases and challenges like drug resistance underscore the need for continued innovation and investment.
4. What impact does undernutrition have on TB?
Undernutrition is a major risk factor for developing TB and for the severity of the disease, contributing to a significant percentage of new cases annually. It also increases the risk of mortality, drug toxicity, and relapse among TB patients. Addressing undernutrition is crucial for effective TB management and prevention.
5. How does India plan to support TB patients nutritionally?
Recognizing the critical link between nutrition and TB outcomes, the government has initiated support schemes like a direct benefit transfer of ₹500 and a food-basket scheme under the PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. These initiatives aim to provide nutritional support to TB patients, helping improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality.
6. What is being done to improve TB diagnosis and treatment in India?
Efforts are underway to expand access to free, accurate, and affordable TB diagnosis through the deployment of mobile testing units and improved access to molecular testing. Additionally, the coverage of rapid molecular diagnostic tests is being increased among presumptive TB patients to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for controlling the spread of the disease.
7. How significant is the problem of drug-resistant TB in India?
Drug-resistant TB remains a substantial challenge, with a notable percentage of new and treated cases showing resistance to first-line drugs. Addressing drug resistance requires comprehensive strategies, including improving diagnostic accuracy, ensuring adherence to treatment regimens, and providing support to affected individuals.
8. What strategies are proposed for addressing the socioeconomic factors contributing to TB?
Strategies include implementing sustainable, cost-effective measures such as doubling the ration provided to households of TB patients with severe undernutrition and providing therapeutic nutrition to those with very severe undernutrition. These approaches not only address the immediate nutritional needs of TB patients but also aim to reduce the incidence of TB among vulnerable populations.
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