Is Ni-Kshay Adoption Model Enough To Eradicate TB By 2025? Parliamentary Committee Thinks Not

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has questioned the efficacy of the Ni-kshay adoption model as a primary solution to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025. The committee suggests that relying heavily on NGOs may hinder progress, recommending instead a more rigorous selection process for Ni-kshay Mitra and stronger monitoring mechanisms.

The Ni-kshay adoption model, a key initiative in India's fight against tuberculosis (TB), has been criticised by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare. In its 149th report tabled in Parliament, the committee expressed concerns over complacency within the ministry and government organisation responsible for implementing TB eradication programs. The report suggests that reliance on this model alone will not be sufficient to eradicate TB by 2025.

Ni-kshay Model: An Imperfect Solution

The Ni-kshay Mitra initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan implemented by the Health Ministry. Under this scheme, community support is provided to TB patients through the Ni-kshay 2.0 portal where individuals, elected representatives or institutions can adopt and care for a patient. However, it appears that this strategy may have some limitations.

One major concern raised by the parliamentary committee was about shifting responsibility onto non-governmental organisations (NGOs). They warned that such an approach could potentially impede overall progress in eradicating TB due to varying capacities and resources among NGOs.

Need for Robust Selection Process

In response to these issues, the committee recommended establishing a robust selection process for Ni-kshay Mitras - those who adopt and care for TB patients under this program - as well as enforcing effective monitoring mechanisms. These measures would ensure diligent fulfilment of responsibilities towards adopted patients.

Orienting Ni-Kshay Mitras

Beyond selection processes and monitoring mechanisms, there is also a need for comprehensive orientation programmes according to the parliamentary committee. Such programmes would help acquaint Ni-Kshay Mitras with crucial information about TB and its management strategies which they can then use while caring for their adopted patients.

Nutrition and TB

The report also highlighted the significant link between nutrition and TB. A good nutritional status can strengthen the immune system, thereby playing a crucial role in fighting off TB. This further reinforces the importance of such community support programmes where adopted patients receive not only treatment but also nutritional care.

In conclusion, while initiatives like Ni-kshay Mitra hold promise in providing patient-centric care and mobilising community resources, they cannot be considered as standalone solutions for eradicating TB by 2025. The parliamentary committee's recommendations underscore the need for robust selection processes, effective monitoring mechanisms, comprehensive orientation programmes for Ni-Kshay Mitras and an integrated approach that considers factors like nutrition. If these issues are addressed adequately, India stands a better chance at achieving its goal of becoming TB-free by 2025.