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TB Nutrition Funds Delayed, Patients Suffer
18 Jan
Summary
- TB patients are missing nutrition aid for six months.
- Maharashtra saw only 32% of TB patients receive aid in 2025.
- Funding delays in India impact critical TB recovery support.
The provision of essential nutritional support for tuberculosis patients in India has been severely disrupted for the past six months. Funds allocated by the Union ministry of health and family welfare for the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) have not been disbursed, directly impacting thousands of patients. The scheme, launched in 2018, is designed to provide ₹1,000 monthly to aid in the recovery of TB patients through a nutrient-rich diet.
Maharashtra reported a significant decline in NPY coverage during 2025, with only 32% of new TB patients receiving benefits compared to an average of 75% in prior years. Health activists warn that this delay could compromise treatment success, as nutrition is as vital as medication. Patients, like daily-wage workers from Pune, report not receiving any financial assistance, forcing families to borrow money.
State health officials have raised the issue with the central government, citing fund shortages. While a ₹350 crore disbursement was received in early January 2026, it takes approximately two weeks for these funds to reach the patients. This ongoing delay highlights a critical gap in the support system for TB patients in India, potentially jeopardizing recovery efforts.
