Over 7,000 TB patients await meal allowance in Faridabad

More than 7,000 tuberculosis (TB) patients registered with the Health Department in Faridabad have been waiting for their meal allowance for the past two months. Authorities claim that the pending payments will be released soon.

Under the Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), a Central government initiative launched in April 2018, TB patients get Rs 1,000 per month for six months as financial aid to help maintain a nutritious diet during treatment. However, the allowance has not been disbursed for two months at the district’s civil hospital, making it difficult for patients to afford a proper diet. According to sources, the total pending amount is around Rs 1.40 crore.

The issue came to light after several patients raised concerns with health officials about the non-receipt of funds. “The money is transferred directly to patients' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts to ensure they can follow the prescribed diet during treatment,” said an official from the Health Department. For paediatric TB patients, the funds are deposited into their parents' or guardian’s accounts.

The district has around 8,000 active TB patients, including over 200 cases of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB, which requires treatment lasting six to 20 months. Experts warn that any interruption in medication could worsen resistance to drugs.

“Continuity of medicine is crucial. Any break in treatment increases the risk of ordinary TB turning into MDR TB,” said Dr Raman Kakar, a private TB specialist. He said while efforts were being made to make villages TB-free, timely financial and medical support is essential for success.

Some patients have reportedly had to buy medicines from the market due to the unavailability of certain drugs at government centres. Last year, 10 village panchayats in Faridabad were declared TB-free and were recognised for their efforts in eliminating the disease.

Assuring a resolution soon, Dr Harjinder Singh, Deputy Civil Surgeon and incharge of the TB department, said, “The pending meal allowance for TB patients is expected to be released within a day or two.”