Question : Anti-TB Drugs Provided by Private Sector Clinics

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) the number of districts that have stocked Government provided anti-TB drugs at private clinics and pharmacies, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether 80 per cent of patients getting treatment in the private sector are being provided free anti-TB drugs as per the stipulated targets;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the mechanisms adopted for the purpose and also the States which have achieved this target;

(d) if not, the strategies in place for achieving this target; and

(e) the State-wise number of patients in the private sector who are currently being provided free anti-TB drugs under the TB programme?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): Anti-TB drugs have been stocked at public sector health facilities and drug stores. For the purpose of provision of free anti-TB drugs to TB patients, drugs are also supplied to private clinics and pharmacies to dispense.
Annexure 1 Number of districts where Government provided anti TB drugs have been given to TB patients who seek care at private clinics and pharmacies

(b to (d): RNTCP has policy of provision of free drugs to all TB patients. All TB patients in public sector avail free anti-TB drug. However, 8% of TB patients notified from private sector availed free anti-TB drugs from the Government.

Mechanism to provide free anti-TB drugs for TB patients include – referral of TB patients to public sector health facility or by dispensing anti-TB drugs at private clinics and pharmacies. Decision on either option of provision of drugs depends on the patients and providers’ interaction and convenience

For achieving the target, the programme has actively pursued to advocate with private clinics to prescribe free drugs, the supply chain system is strengthen with support of the field level staff in the States/ UTs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at many places and inventory management system - NIKSHAY Aushadhi is deployed.

(e): State wise number of patients in the private sector who are currently being provided free anti-TB drugs under TB programme is placed at Annexure 2.