As TB elimination target year ends, patients suffer, Health Dept in Ludhiana awaits Central funds

India had pledged to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025. Yet, as the target year draws to a close, the Global TB Report-2025 makes it clear that despite a steady decline in cases, the disease remains far from elimination. The gap lies not in intent, but in implementation on the ground as patients in cities like Ludhiana confront a stark reality: Without nutritional aid, recovery remains out of reach.

The Free Nutrition Scheme (Nikshay Poshan Yojana), which provides Rs 500 monthly to TB patients for dietary support, has not disbursed funds in Punjab since March, leaving thousands without assistance.

According to Dr Ashish Chawla, District TB Officer, “The last grant was received in March. Since then, we’ve had no updates from the Centre. We’ve now approached NGOs to help provide food kits to patients.”

Impact on patients

For many, the absence of nutritional support is more than an inconvenience — it’s a threat to survival.

“I was diagnosed with TB in July. The medicines are strong, but without proper food, I feel weak all the time,” says 38-year-old Ramesh Kumar, a daily-wage worker from Haibowal. “They told me I’d get Rs 500 every month, but I haven’t received a single rupee.”

“I live alone and can’t cook much. Earlier, I used the grant to buy fruits and milk. Now, I rely on my neighbour’s kindness,” shares Sunita Devi, 62, from Salem Tabri. “I don’t know how long I can manage like this.”

Department’s response

In response to the growing distress, the Health Department has initiated talks with local NGOs to distribute food kits. Plans are underway to use e-rickshaws for doorstep delivery, especially for patients who are bedridden or live in remote areas.

Dr Ashish adds, “We’re trying to ensure that no patient drops out of treatment due to lack of nutrition. Recovery depends on both medicine and food. Talks are on with an NGO in this regard.”

NGOs step in

Organisations like the Sehat Sewa Foundation and TB Care India have begun mobilising resources. “We’ve started distributing high-protein kits with pulses, eggs and bananas,” says coordinator at Sehat Sewa. “But we can’t match the scale of government support. We need the system to work.”