BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government has reported that a total of 10,795 tuberculosis (TB) patients registered under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) have received a total amount of Rs 1, 21, 52,000 under the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme in Delhi since April 2018.

The scheme offers the medical, nutritional and financial support that is required to help see a patient through his TB treatment. It was initiated by the Delhi Government in April 2018.

Dr. R V Asokan, Secretary General, Indian Medical Association, told DTMT, “Lack of awareness about the scheme on the part of the patients and the stigma surrounding the disease remain two major reasons why more patients have not been able to take full advantage of the scheme.”

He said, “It is the prime duty and responsibility of TB afflicted individuals and the medical fraternity to make use of all available resources to make India a TB free nation.”

“It is our duty to help spread the message and generate more awareness on the importance of TB notification and the multiple support measures offered by the government to 'End TB in India',” Dr. Asokan said.

With India geared up to eliminate TB under Sustainable Development Goal in the country by 2025, several strategies have been put in place to help overcome this disease.

The Indian Medical Association has been an active player with the government to help propagate the message.