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Source: The post is based on an article “Bittersweet pills: A simpler drug regime should mean better TB outcomes not another missed opportunity” published in The Times of India on 5th September 2022.
Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues related to health
News: The article discusses about the issues in tackling tuberculosis in India and the impact of recent drug invented.
The ZeNix phase III trial has shown that only 3-4 drugs will be needed for 6 months for tuberculosis than the other treatment which requires 13-14 drugs daily for 18-24 months.
What is the current situation of TB in India?
India has been struggling with the TB for a longer period of time.
A government survey finds that 63% of the chest symptomatic do not seek healthcare.
It shows the shortfalls of public awareness campaigns and also the broken primary care health services in India.
Lack of timely diagnosis of TB is one of the issues along with the overall gaps in proper observation of the disease.
The mortality rate in 2019-20 increased by 11% even though there was a 25% reduction in the number of cases.
The present invented drug ZeNix will have a great positive impact in India because India has the world’s highest burden of the TB disease including its multidrug-resistant strains.
