Its bacteria usually affect the lungs. However, other organs, including the spinal cord, brain or kidneys, may also be affected. India has set a goal of completely eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, but a lack of drugs stands in the way. Know what it is…
When will tuberculosis be eliminated in India?
Last month, the WHO said that tuberculosis cases in India had declined by 18% over the past 10 years, which is the highest in the world. During this period, deaths also fell by 24%, 23% more than the global average. The Indian government is working to completely eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, but one of the biggest problems has emerged. The Indian Express reports that according to the filing, there has been a decline in the supply of key TB drugs from 2023 onwards.
What is it about?
According to the report, India’s TB treatment program has two phases. During the first two or three months, an attempt is made to cure the patient with a combined tablet of four antibiotics. Second, the patient receives another drug combination containing three antibiotics for four to seven months. These are called fixed dose medications (FDCs). There has been a decline in the supply of FDC drugs from the data center for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Comparing 2023 and 2022, there is a 56.5 percent drop in drug supply for the first phase. During this period, there was a decline of 23 percent for the second phase. This year, data available through June shows that there was a 23.04% drop in supply for the first phase and 28.8% for the second phase compared to the first six months of 2023 .
Why is there a shortage of TB drugs?
In fact, the Nodal Procurement Agency canceled 9 of its 26 tenders for the purchase of these drugs due to administrative reasons. Apart from this, three suppliers have been blacklisted for issues ranging from fake bank guarantees to wrong pricing.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare did not respond to detailed queries from The Indian Express on the shortage situation, but in a letter sent by the ministry to states in March this year, it It was stated that anti-tuberculosis drugs would be delayed due to certain reasons. Under this, states were instructed to purchase them locally for three months, without any restrictions on size or formulation. It was said that if the health facilities in the district are unable to provide free medicines based on a TB case, the patient will be given money for the medicines.
What is Mission 2025 to end TB?
During the “End TB Summit” in New Delhi in March 2018, the government set a deadline of 2025 to eradicate this disease. According to the latest WHO data, there will be an estimated 27 lakh cases of TB in India in 2023, of which 25.1 lakh patients, or 85 percent, were receiving drugs. This is also a great achievement. Treatment for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DSTB) consists mainly of antibiotics for 6 to 9 months for new patients. Apart from this, in severe cases, rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol are administered daily. These pills can be based on age, level of infection and treatment history. Its treatment is free in public hospitals and in private hospitals, you have to pay around Rs 10,000 for 6 months and Rs 20 to 30,000 per month for medicines.
Where do anti-tuberculosis drugs come from?
As part of the government’s mission to end TB, the Center is responsible for purchasing and supplying TB drugs, while states receive limited funds to purchase emergency drugs from temporary title. The stock is maintained at the district, state and national levels for three months and at the block level for two months. Experts say the buffer stock is extremely important because people who forget to take prescribed medications can increase the risk of drug-resistant TB.
Which state has the highest number of TB patients?
The reported TB cases are UP – 6.3 lakh, Maharashtra – 2.27 lakh, Bihar – 1.86 lakh, Madhya Pradesh – 1.84 lakh and Rajasthan – 1.65 lakh. Overall, India accounts for 26 percent of TB cases and 29 percent of TB deaths worldwide. Despite this, there is a shortage of TB drugs in many states.
Disclaimer: Some media information is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you should consult the relevant expert.
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