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Food Allowance for TB Patients in Faridabad Delayed

No More Food Allowances For TB Patients?
In India, 19% of TB patients face catastrophic health costs. A study showed that the delay from the onset of symptoms to the start of treatment was a major contributor to these costs, accounting for 44% to 59% of the total.
In India, 19% of TB patients face catastrophic health costs. A study showed that the delay from the onset of symptoms to the start of treatment was a major contributor to these costs, accounting for 44% to 59% of the total.
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More than 7,000 tuberculosis (TB) patients in Faridabad are suffering due to delays in receiving their food allowance under the NIKSHAY Poshan Yojana. Initiated in April 2018, the central government scheme gives a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to TB patients to support their nutrition while undergoing treatment. The allowance has not been disturbed for the last two months, and it is becoming challenging for patients to have a balanced diet.

Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, (MD, FAAP), President, Bharatiya Liberal Party, raised his concerns about the delay in the allowance and called for the accountability of the authorities. He also raised awareness for 7,000 TB patients who are awaiting meal allowance from the health department. He further stated via X (formally known as Twitter): 

Background of Nikshay Poshan Yojana

The main objective of the scheme is to support TB patients through food assistance in the form of monthly financial benefits. Every TB patient who has been notified on or after April 1, 2018, is eligible if registered on the NIKSHAY portal. The benefit was first Rs 500 per month but has been raised to Rs 1,000 by October 2024.

Impact of delay

The delay has left a pending balance of approximately Rs 1.40 crore, impacting the financial capability of patients to meet their basic nutrient needs. Disruptions in nutrition can slow down the treatment process, and any discontinuation of medication enhances the risk of prevalent TB becoming multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB.

(Representational Image: Unsplash)
India carries a significant portion of the global TB burden, with over 2.7 million new cases annually and an estimated 440,000 deaths. Modelling studies in India indicate that interventions can decrease catastrophic costs by 5–6% for drug-sensitive TB and by 1% for drug-resistant TB. (Representational Image: Unsplash)

Reaction of authorities

The health authorities have guaranteed that the outstanding payments will be made shortly, with Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Harjinder Singh indicating that the money will be released within a day or two. 

Wider context

India is working to eradicate TB by 2025, and prompt financial and medical assistance is imperative to succeed. In the past year, 10 village panchayats of Faridabad were awarded for achieving TB elimination, underscoring the role of community participation in TB control.


(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)

In India, 19% of TB patients face catastrophic health costs. A study showed that the delay from the onset of symptoms to the start of treatment was a major contributor to these costs, accounting for 44% to 59% of the total.
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