Ni-kshay Mitra Support Achieves 95% Success in Tuberculosis Treatment
The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Yojana, in conjunction with Ni-kshay Mitra support, has achieved an impressive 95% success rate in the treatment of tuberculosis. This significant improvement was observed among patients who received nutritional aid and community support, particularly targeting vulnerable groups like pregnant women and migrants. The success of this initiative is highlighted in the 'India TB Report, 2024' released by the Health Ministry. Treatment Success and Ni-kshay Support: According to the report, out of the 13.46 lakh TB patients currently undergoing treatment, 9.57 lakh are benefiting from Ni-kshay Mitra support. The study reveals that patients with Ni-kshay Mitra support experienced a 95% success rate, compared to 90% for those without such assistance. This statistically significant difference underscores the positive impact of Ni-kshay Mitra in tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Nutritional Aid and Weight Gain: One of the key aspects of Ni-kshay Mitra support is the provision of nutritional aid to patients. An independent assessment found that those who received this support exhibited an average weight gain of 4.2 kg, while non-beneficiaries gained 3.8 kg on average. These findings highlight the significance of adequate nutrition in improving treatment outcomes for tuberculosis patients. Community Support and Health Facility Visits: The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, launched in 2022, aims to connect impoverished TB patients with individuals who are willing to provide assistance. The report emphasizes the positive impact of community support on patients' health-seeking behaviors. It reveals that a higher number of patients who received community support visited healthcare facilities, leading to increased follow-up and treatment adherence. This aspect of the program proved particularly effective for vulnerable population groups, including pregnant and lactating women (18%), migrants (48%), and those residing in urban slums (15%).