India’s adoption of a new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis

Source: The post India’s adoption of a new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis has been created, based on the article “Taking TB seriously: Early adoption of the new treatment regimen is welcome” published in “The Hindu” on 10th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

Context: The article discusses India’s adoption of a new treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis.The new BPaLM regimen is shorter, more effective, and helps improve patient outcomes. It reflects India’s strong commitment to eliminating tuberculosis ahead of the global target.

For detailed information on Health Ministry Approves New Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant TB read this article here

What is the new tuberculosis treatment in India?

1. India has introduced the BPaLM regimen for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).
2. This regimen uses four drugs: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin. It is more effective and shorter than traditional treatments, curing drug-resistant TB in just six months.

Why is this move important for India?

1. This change is crucial because an estimated 75,000 people in India have drug-resistant TB.
2. The shorter treatment duration, compared to the traditional 20 months, will help improve their quality of life and increase the chances of recovery.

How has India shown commitment to fighting TB?

1. India has shown strong political will to eliminate TB. It voluntarily set a target to eliminate TB by 2025, five years earlier than the global target.
2. India’s TB incidence reduced by 16% from 2015 to 2022, which is faster than the global reduction rate.

What are some other measures India has taken?

1. India has adopted rapid molecular testing to diagnose drug-resistant TB. This led to better detection and higher treatment success rates.
2. Financial, nutritional, and societal support through the Ni-kshay Mitra scheme has also been beneficial. India’s mortality rate from TB reduced by 18% from 2015 to 2022.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of India’s adoption of the BPaLM regimen for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.