Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Eligibility, Apply Process, Benefits

Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a scheme of the government where ₹1,000 every month is provided to the notified TB patients for their nutritional requirements. It was launched in 2018 to improve the outcomes of treatment by addressing malnutrition and ensuring that the TB patients adhere to the medical regime of treatment. It is pointed out that all the TB patients registered on the NIKSHAY portal are entitled to this benefit. The amount will be transferred to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the TB patient directly through the DBT system.

What is Nikshay Poshan Yojana?

Nikshay Poshan Yojana, initiated in 2018 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides ₹1,000 per month to all registered TB patients for their nutrition. Support under this scheme will be provided to all the TB patients notified on or after 1 April 2018 and registered on the NIKSHAY portal. This scheme aims to encourage treatment outcomes by reducing malnutrition and providing assistance during the full course of treatment.

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Nikshay Poshan Yojana Objectives

Accordingly, the primary purpose of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana is to help tuberculosis patients with nutrition and finance so that they are in a position to complete their treatment without hardship. It also aims at ensuring improvement in the recovery rate and decreasing the burden of malnutrition during TB care.

Key Objectives:

• To give monthly financial assistance for nutritional needs of TB patients.

• Ensuring better treatment outcomes by supporting the patients during therapy.

• To lessen the effects of poverty and malnutrition on TB recovery.

• To motivate the patient towards continued treatment with no interruption of the same.

Financial Assistance Provision Nikshay Poshan Yojana

Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides ₹1,000 every month to every notified TB patient for nutritional support. The amount is transferred directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the patient through the DBT system to ensure transparency and speedy delivery.

TB patients are required to register on the NIKSHAY portal and submit their bank account details with the concerned TB health provider to avail this benefit. Their information would then be verified through PFMS, after which the monthly amount would be automatically credited to the account.

This financial support aids TB patients in meeting the increased nutritional requirements during their treatment and has played an important role in improving recovery and treatment outcomes.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana Eligibility Criteria

The beneficiary has to be a notified Tuberculosis patient for availing of this scheme. Notification includes all patients, whether attending the public health facility or private practitioners. The key issue is registration in Nikshay portal, which is the national TB surveillance system. This inclusive approach ensures a broader reach of assistance to those who genuinely need it. Nationality of the patient is also an essential criterion.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana Registration Process

Patients do not typically perform a direct "nikshay poshan yojana apply online" process themselves. Instead, health workers or doctors treating the TB patient initiate the registration. Upon diagnosis and notification of a TB case, the patient's details are entered into the Nikshay portal. This system manages all aspects of patient tracking, treatment, and benefit disbursal. Accurate and timely entry of patient data is crucial for seamless benefit receipt. This centralized registration process streamlines the identification of eligible beneficiaries.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Nikshay Poshan Yojana

The application process for Nikshay Poshan Yojana is completed online through the Nikshay portal. Patients must submit their bank details and complete verification steps to receive monthly nutritional support.

1. Submit Bank Account Details

• The patient must give their Aadhaar-linked savings bank account details to the TB health provider.

• The health staff will collect supporting documents such as:

• Aadhaar number

• Bank passbook

• Cancelled cheque

• Bank statement

If the patient does not have a bank account:

• They must open a new bank account (for example, through Jan Dhan Yojana or India Post Payments Bank).

• If opening a new account is not possible, the patient can use a family member’s bank account by providing written consent (a standard form is available in the official manual).

2. Registration in the Nikshay Portal

• The TB health staff will enter the patient’s bank details into the Nikshay system.

• The system checks that the bank account is unique (one account cannot be used for more than one beneficiary).

• After entry, Nikshay automatically sends the details to PFMS (Public Financial Management System) for verification.

3. Bank Account Verification (PFMS)

If the bank account is successfully validated:

• PFMS generates a Beneficiary ID.

• The patient’s status in Nikshay changes to “Validated”.

If the bank account is rejected:

• The patient receives an SMS alert asking them to contact the TB health staff.

• The patient must correct or update their bank details for re-verification.

Impact on Tuberculosis Elimination

The Nikshay Poshan Yojana represents a significant component of the broader National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). By providing nutritional support, the scheme helps in preventing weight loss, improving drug tolerance, and reducing treatment interruptions. A well-nourished body responds better to anti-TB drugs, leading to higher treatment success rates. Consequently, it lessens the chances of developing drug resistance and transmission. This initiative actively aids India in reaching its ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025.

Key Mechanisms of Nikshay Poshan Yojana

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) System: The Yojana relies heavily on the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fund disbursement. This mechanism ensures that financial aid reaches the intended beneficiaries directly, circumventing intermediaries and reducing potential leakages. Funds are transferred electronically from the government to the patient's Aadhaar-linked bank account. This not only enhances transparency but also speeds up the entire process. The integrity of the DBT system is crucial for the scheme's overall success.

Nikshay Portal Functionality: The Nikshay portal serves as the digital backbone of the entire TB elimination program, including the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. It is a comprehensive web-based solution for managing all TB-related activities. This platform facilitates patient registration, treatment adherence tracking, drug stock management, and importantly, the initiation and monitoring of "nikshay poshan dbt" payments. Healthcare providers access and update patient records here, ensuring data accuracy and real-time monitoring of the scheme's progress and individual patient benefits. The portal's robust architecture allows for efficient management of the vast number of TB cases across the country.