Kanpur: As part of a government initiative, 35 doctors, staff, and health officers on December 5, 2024 adopted 51 tuberculosis patients currently undergoing treatment. They distributed nutrient bags to the patients at the Manyavar Kanshiram Joint District Hospital and Trauma Centre.
The adoption ceremony, chaired by Dr. Sanju Agarwal, Additional Director of Medical Health and Family Welfare for the Kanpur region, highlighted the commitment to patient care. During the event, Dr. Agarwal emphasized that the adopted patients would be provided with monthly nutritional support and regular monitoring throughout their treatment journey.
The Role of the “Nikshay Mitra” Program
The adoption initiative is part of the broader “Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”, launched in 2022. This program introduced the concept of “Nikshay Mitras”, or community supporters, who voluntarily adopt TB patients to provide essential care. The program encourages individuals, organizations, and healthcare professionals to step forward and support patients in their battle against the disease.
The adoption drive focuses on reducing TB’s socioeconomic burden by ensuring:
- Regular medication adherence.
- Access to a healthy diet with a monthly supply of protein-rich food and supplements.
- Emotional encouragement to overcome the social stigma often associated with TB.
Adoption of TB Patients: A Holistic Approach
The initiative involves healthcare professionals stepping beyond their conventional roles to engage directly with TB patients. By adopting patients, the doctors and health officers commit to providing them with not just medical assistance but also nutritional and emotional support. The program emphasizes a patient-centric approach, recognizing that the fight against TB requires addressing more than just the clinical aspects of the disease.
Each healthcare professional is assigned a patient under their care for the entire duration of the treatment, which typically lasts six to nine months. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring adherence to Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) therapy.
- Monitoring the patient’s nutritional intake, as poor nutrition can weaken immunity and delay recovery.
- Offering counseling to address stigma and mental health issues that TB patients often face.
Tuberculosis in India: A Persistent Challenge
India bears the world’s highest TB burden, accounting for nearly 26% of global cases. According to the World Health Organization (who), around 2.6 million people are diagnosed with TB annually in the country, and a significant number face barriers to completing their treatment.
Factors such as malnutrition, poverty, and lack of awareness exacerbate the situation. Furthermore, stigma surrounding TB often discourages patients from seeking timely medical help. This makes patient-focused initiatives like the adoption drive crucial in bridging gaps in care and ensuring holistic recovery.
A Step Toward the National Goal of TB Elimination
The adoption of 51 patients by health officers and doctors is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a tangible step toward achieving India’s ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025. By taking direct responsibility for patients, healthcare professionals are setting an example for others to follow.
“This initiative is a powerful reminder that TB elimination is not just a medical challenge but a social one as well,” said a senior health officer involved in the program. “Through community involvement and personalized care, we can ensure no patient is left behind.”
Encouraging Community Participation
The success of the adoption drive underscores the importance of community involvement in health initiatives. The “Nikshay Mitra” program invites people from all walks of life—corporates, NGOs, and individuals—to contribute to the fight against TB. With such collective efforts, the vision of a TB-free India appears more achievable.
