Free Medicines for TB Patients

In pleasing move to cut down on the tuberculosis cases in India, the government has decided to distribute the TB related medicines free of cost at all chemist shops and hospitals across the country.

[Read: Controlling Tuberculosis in India]

The scheme, which will be rolled out in the country by March, 2013 is aimed at limiting the growing number of cases of multi-drug resistant TB, caused mainly due to inappropriate medicines.

To avail the proposed benefit, a TB patient certified by a qualified medical professional will need to register with the Revised National Tuberculosis Programme. According to which, he/she will be issued a unique ID card as a proof of authenticity.

[Read: Multi-drug Resistant TB Burden in India]

The ID card will have all the details on medications and the dosage.

Dr Jagshish Prasad, director general of health services, said: "The idea is to help patients who get treated by private doctors to get drugs easily. Any hospital or chemist shop will be able to give the medicine to him/her as per the treatment schedule, which will be available online. The government will bear all costs."

The Indian Government spends about Rupees 250 crore on providing free medicines to the TB patients throughout the country. The new scheme will cost the government an additional of Rupees 100 crore.

"We are in talks with manufacturers of the medicines and hospital groups to finalise the modality for reimbursement," Prasad added.

Read more Health News.