Mumbai detects 42,000 TB cases, nutrition aid crucial for recovery

In a major push to eliminate tuberculosis TB from the country the government has intensified its efforts under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program NTEP Authorities are encouraging public participation through the Nikshay Mitra Food Basket Scheme urging individuals NGOs and corporate entities to support patients with nutritious foodDr Varsha Puri deputy executive health officer and city TB officer urged citizens to come forward and donate nutritious food that can be handed over to those in need ldquoPatients are undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals but still require nutritional support for recoveryrdquo she saidMany poor TB patients are sole earners in their families facing a difficult choice between spending their earnings on feeding their families or fulfilling their own nutritional needs for recovery These underprivileged patients have appealed for public support urging more people to come forward and provide nutritious food to aid in their recoveryDr Varsha Puri centre deputy executive health officer and city TB officer hands out a food basketldquoAs part of the 100 Days Public Campaign a nationwide TB detection drive is underway Unlike previous methods where patients had to visit hospitals for diagnosis the government has implemented a doortodoor testing strategy ensuring early detection and timely medical intervention This intensified screening process has significantly increased TB case detection allowing for immediate treatment and essential healthcare supportrdquo said an officialRecognising that nutrition plays a crucial role in TB recovery the government has launched the Nikshay Mitra Food Basket initiative under the 100 Days Public Awareness Campaign ldquoThis programme allows individuals businesses and organisations to lsquoadoptrsquo TB patients and provide nutritious food every month aiding their recovery and strengthening their immunityrdquo said a district TB officerAccording to official sources India currently has over 15 million active TB patients While the government provides free treatment and R1000 per month for nutritional support this assistance alone may not be sufficient Currently 1399 Nikshay Mitras have registered in Mumbai including NGOs private companies and individuals So far they have distributed approximately 117070 Golden Basket Kits to TB patients However these numbers fluctuate daily as new cases emergeHealth officials are conducting daily screenings across all 24 municipal wards in Mumbai Additionally TB screenings are being carried out at large companies construction sites schools and colleges with samples collected from suspected individuals Officials have observed an increase in drugresistant TB cases particularly among school and college students However timely medical intervention and proper nutrition have proven effective in aiding recoveryA sudden rise in TB cases is not surprising as earlier TB was detected only when a patient visited a doctor Now with active screening efforts more cases are being identified at an early stage Family members of TB patients are also at high risk due to close contact Therefore when individuals are diagnosed with TB their entire household is immediately screened ensuring timely intervention and preventing the disease from spreading furtherIn addition to medication proper nutrition plays a critical role in recovery Observations indicate that 80 per cent of TB patients recover faster with a balanced diet and timely treatment Sources said India currently has approximately 1507358 TB patients but only 250463 Nikshay Mitras have come forward With the current drive around 42000 TB patients that need assistance have been identified in Mumbai so far with 26484 belonging to economically weaker sectionsThese numbers are likely to grow as the campaign continues On average 200 to 250 new TB cases are detected in each municipal ward of Mumbai each month Regular followups are conducted to monitor patient progress but some cases require additional support for a successful recovery ldquoThe key to recovery lies in taking medicines on time and maintaining a nutritious diet Patients who can afford proper food recover faster while underprivileged patients struggle The food basket scheme was introduced in order to address this problemrdquo said a district TB coordinatorldquoWe are actively reaching out to people encouraging them to donate nutritious food items to TB patients Many individuals including police personnel politicians and NGOs are personally delivering food baskets to TB centres ensuring patients receive the nutrition they need for faster recoveryrdquo the official added ldquoWe urge citizens to step forward and support TB patients so that we can achieve a TBfree IndiardquoAny individual organisation or NGO can contribute to the food basket nutrition initiative for TB patients Donors can contact the district TB officer at their respective municipal ward office to adopt TB patients They can provide nutritious food on a monthly yearly or longerterm basis helping TB patients recover and regain their health ldquoEvery contribution counts in the fight against TB Letrsquos work together to eliminate this diseaserdquo said Dr Puri