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National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and PM-TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

04 Oct 2025 GS 2 Govt schemes & initiatives
National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and PM-TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Click to view full image

National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP)

Background

  • India bears the world’s largest TB burden (~27% of global TB cases as per WHO Global TB Report).

  • The Government of India aims for TB elimination by 2025, five years ahead of the UN SDG target of 2030.

  • NTEP is the revamped version of the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), aligned with National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–2025.

Key Features of NTEP

  1. Free Diagnosis & Medicines for all TB patients registered.

  2. Nikshay Poshan Yojana (2018):

    • Direct Benefit Transfer of ₹500/month for nutritional support till completion of treatment.

    • Covers all TB patients registered under Nikshay portal.

  3. Decentralized TB Care: Diagnostics & treatment at primary health facilities (PHCs, CHCs, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs).

  4. Integration with Ayushman Bharat: Community-level screening & awareness.

  5. Digital Monitoring: Nikshay Portal for real-time patient tracking and programme monitoring.

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA)

  • Launched on 9th September 2022 by President of India.

  • Community participation model to supplement government efforts.

Objectives

  • Strengthen patient-centric support beyond medical treatment.

  • Ensure social support + nutrition + livelihood assistance for TB patients.

  • Reduce stigma & improve community awareness.

Nikshay Mitra 

  • Nikshay Mitra = Donor/Supporter adopting TB patients.

  • Eligible Mitras: Individuals, NGOs, corporates, faith-based groups, co-operatives, political parties, etc.

  • Adoption period: Minimum 6 months, extendable up to 3 years.

  • Forms of Support:

    • Nutritional kits/food baskets

    • Nutritional supplements

    • Additional investigations (diagnostics, tests)

    • Vocational training / livelihood assistance

Significance

  • Community-driven health model—bridges gap between treatment & holistic care.

  • Reduces treatment dropout rates by improving patient morale & nutrition.

  • Builds social capital around TB elimination.

  • Encourages public-private partnerships (PPP) in health sector.

  • Strengthens India’s progress towards End TB Strategy of WHO.

Challenges

  • High incidence in urban slums, tribal areas, and among vulnerable populations.

  • Stigma & discrimination leading to underreporting and delayed treatment.

  • Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB) a growing challenge.

  • Need for sustained financing and long-term nutritional support.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen multi-sectoral approach – nutrition, housing, livelihood, and awareness.

  • Expand Nikshay Mitra network for wider reach.

  • Focus on research & innovation (new drugs, vaccines, diagnostics).

  • Address social determinants of health (poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding).

  • Integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) for better patient tracking.

Practice Questions for UPSC / State PSC

Prelims (MCQ):

  1. The Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides:
    a) Free medicines for TB patients
    b) ₹500/month nutritional support to TB patients
    c) Insurance coverage for TB treatment
    d) One-time cash incentive for completing treatment
    (Answer: b)

  2. Under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, who can become a Nikshay Mitra?
    a) Only NGOs
    b) Only Corporates
    c) Any individual or organization willing to support TB patients
    d) Only State Governments
    (Answer: c)



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