Parliamentary panel asks govt to consider comprehensive policy framework to eliminate TB

A Parliamentary panel that looked into the implementation of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA) has recommended to the government to consider developing a comprehensive policy framework emphasising on public-private partnership to eradicate Tuberculosis from the country.

It also recommended to the Centre to consider further decentralisation of funds to the states to cater to the region-specific requirements of TB management.

Appreciating the success of PMTBMBA’s Ni-kshay initiatives, the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, in its 149th report on implementation of the Abhiyan suggested “that to foster greater cooperation between government and private stakeholders, the government may consider developing a comprehensive policy framework emphasising shared goals and mutual accountability and establishing formal and structured public- private partnerships that will enhance to bring together representatives from both government and private sectors for an open dialogue and would create avenues for pooling resources, joint funding and co-investments in research and development efforts”.

It observed that the coordination and collaboration between government and private stakeholders have leveraged the expertise and optimally utilised the resources in the private sector that has complemented the Government’s efforts in improving access to care, diagnosis and treatment of TB, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Further, it has helped foster innovation, research and development efforts & utilising NGO/co-operative societies in
community engagement like awareness campaigns, education programs etc., resulting in better insights into disease trends & treatment outcomes, observed the Committee.

Such partnerships has also helped in data sharing & enhanced the sense of accountability in the private sector, and expanded the scale and reach of TB prevention and treatment efforts.

It added that some of the key initiatives taken by the Government for the effective involvement of private stakeholders and their partnership in TB elimination drive.

For instance, the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on different thematic areas are developed and shared with the State / UT governments for targeted IEC campaigns around the year.

Innovative models like interface agencies have been devised for engagement with the private sector. For ease of reporting, enabling provision has been created in the Ni- kshay portal. Technical support units have been set up at national levels and 14 states to provide technical assistance in the areas of private sector engagement. The notification of TB cases by private healthcare providers has been made mandatory. Provisions of incentives of Rs 500 for notification and Rs 500 for reporting of treatment outcomes of the cases notified by private providers have been incorporated.

Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) and the Primary Health Inatitutes have been integrated into the PMTBMBA initiative, and Ni-kshay Mitras are being encouraged to distribute Ni-kshay Poshan kits at AB-HWCs in the first week of every month.

The State and Union Territory (UT) governments also involve various Non-Governmental Organisations/ Community based organisations to undertake awareness activities among the general masses using various mass media, mid-media, and interpersonal communication channels. Several campaigns like TB Harega, and Desh Jeetega are being implemented periodically with the help of private organisations.

The Committee was informed that the government has already established a TB Forum with representation from various stakeholders, including cured patients, civil society, etc., at national, state and district levels. Besides, orientation sessions have been conducted by Central TB Division
officials to rope in various business associations like Confedetarion of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and NATHEALTH – Healthcare Federation of India, etc. and professional bodies like Indian Medical Association, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India, etc for effective implementation of the scheme.

Commenting on the budget allocation for TB elimination programme, the Committee opined that varied vulnerabilities exist across regions and cities and risk factors responsible for developing TB disease and reasons for increasing TB burden in different areas, like the rural-urban divide, may differ.

“Therefore, the same policy may not be effectively applied in all regions. In order to have a need-based assessment and cater to the region-specific requirements of TB management, the Committee suggests that further decentralisation of funds to the states may be considered, with the Center providing clear guidelines, guidance, and program monitoring,” it said.

This should be harmonised with de-centralised policymaking and tailored strategies suited to regions, cities, and rural areas, with targeted initiatives. By doing so, the states would be better equipped to address their region-specific challenges and need-based requirements related to TB within their respective territories, said the Committee.

The Committee observed that there is a notable increase in the funds allocated for the TB elimination program from 2017-18 to 2021-22 to Rs. 3409.94 crore, but the allocation in 2022- 23 has reduced to Rs. 2656.83 crore. As regards the budgetary allocation to states, Rs. 1328.44 crore have been given to states for 2022-23. There has been a notable increase in the percentage of funds allocated to states for the TB elimination program compared to 2017-18, it added.

Source : http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=163007&sid=1