Nikshay Poshan Yojana Scheme, Benefits, Eligibility, UPSC

Nikshay Poshan Yojana: India has been fighting from disease tuberculosis (TB) for many decades, and one of the critical and notable challenges has been ensuring that TB patients get proper nutrition during their treatment. The Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a government initiative that is specially designed to tackle this extreme issue. Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) , this scheme will provide direct nutritional support to TB patients across India. Nikshay Poshan Yojana will not only help in the recovery of patients but also ensure that they do not drop out of treatment due to financial difficulties.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana

The Nikshay Poshan Yojana was introduced by the Government of India and launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) while presenting it as a centrally sponsored scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM) in April 2018 .

The primary objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to TB patients which will surely help them to meet their nutritional needs while availing the top-notch treatment. The idea of (MoH&FW) behind this initiative is to provide good nutrition which will strengthen the immune system and speed up the recovery, making the treatment of tuberculosis disease more effective.

Every patient who is registered under this scheme will receive Rs. 500/- per month for the duration of which the patient is availing of anti-TB treatment through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The amount is transferred to the patient's bank account, which will ensure that it reaches to those who need it most.

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Nikshay Poshan Yojana Scheme Is For Whom?

The Nikshay Poshan Yojana scheme is for all TB patients who have registered themselves on or after 1st April 2018 under the NTEP (National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme) . Whether the patient is being treated in a public or private health facility, they are eligible to receive the benefits. The most beneficiary thing of this scheme is that it covers all categories of TB patients , which includes drug-sensitive TB, drug-resistant TB, and co-infected TB patients (such as those with HIV-TB).

In addition to it, this scheme also supports the patient’s families by reducing the financial burden of the disease. As TB patients need long treatment durations, the Nikshay Poshan Yojana ensures that they have the necessary nutritional support throughout their treatment.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana Benefits

The Nikshay Poshan Yojana benefits are both direct and indirect, which comprehensively contribute to better health outcomes for TB patients:

1. Financial Support : Patients will receive Rs. 500 per month, which will help them to buy nutritious food, medicines and other necessities to support their recovery.
2. Improved Treatment Compliance : By reducing the financial burden, patients can complete their treatment, reducing the chances of drug-resistant TB.
3. Enhanced Recovery : Nutrition plays a vital role in boosting immunity. Well-nourished patients recover faster, which decreases the spread of TB within the communities.
4. Reduction in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure : This scheme relieves the financial burden of families affected by TB, particularly those who belong to economically weaker sections, where even small amounts make a significant difference.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana Eligibility

Understanding the Nikshay Poshan Yojana eligibility criteria is important for both patients and healthcare providers. The eligibility is straightforward:

1. TB Diagnosis : The patient who wants to avail of this scheme must be diagnosed with TB and registered under the NTEP .
2. Treatment Enrollment : The patient should be undergoing thorough treatment either in a government hospital or in a private facility that is linked to the NTEP.
3. Aadhaar-linked Bank Account : To get financial support, the patient must have their own bank account that is linked to their Aadhaar card . This will ensure a seamless Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the patient’s account.
4. Continuing Treatment : Patients need to adhere to the prescribed treatment to continue receiving the monthly support.

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The Nikshay Portal

The Nikshay portal is the backbone of the entire scheme. It is an online platform used by healthcare providers to register and track TB patients and to improve the management and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) in India

Through this portal, the patients who are diseased by tuberculosis can register themselves and details are updated regularly, which ensures transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana . The portal also allows the government to monitor the treatment progress of patients and the distribution of funds.

The Nikshay portal plays an integral role in India’s goal of eliminating TB, as it helps to track each case and ensures that all registered patients are receiving the necessary support.

How to Apply for Nikshay Poshan Yojana

Applying for the Nikshay Poshan Yojana ensures that TB patients receive nutritional support during their treatment. The process of applying is simple and can be done with the help of the healthcare facility where the patient is receiving treatment.

1. Registration on Nikshay Portal : The healthcare provider registers the TB patient on the Nikshay portal . All the necessary details, including the patient's Aadhaar-linked bank account, are entered into the system.
2. Verification : The patient’s information is verified by the authorities, ensuring that they are eligible for the scheme.
3. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) : Once the patient gets registered and verified, they will start receiving Rs. 500 per month directly into their bank account. The amount will continue to be distributed for the duration of the treatment, which can last anywhere between six months to two years, depending on the type of TB.

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Challenges and Way Forward

The Nikshay Poshan Yojana has been a significant beneficiary for all types of TB patients, but certain challenges need to be addressed:

1. Bank Account Accessibility : Not all patients can easily access banks, especially in rural areas. Although the DBT system ensures transparency, but still some patients face issues in receiving the money.
2. Awareness : Despite its wide reach, many TB patients, especially in remote areas, are still unaware of the scheme. Continuous efforts are needed to raise awareness about the benefits of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana .
3. Monitoring : The government should track how patients utilize the money to ensure it is being spent on nutrition as intended. This can be done through community health workers who can regularly check on patients.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana UPSC Perspective

For candidates who are preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, it is important for them to understand the importance of Nikshay Poshan Yojana . This scheme is a key part of India's strategy to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, this goal was set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .

This initiative is aligned with the global effort to eradicate TB and to improve public health in India. The Nikshay Poshan Yojana UPSC syllabus falls under social sector initiatives and health programs, which are significant contributors to both GS paper 2 and paper 3.

Conclusion

The Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a critical initiative that not only addresses the financial burden of TB patients but also helps in improving their recovery through nutritional support. With the Nikshay portal ensuring transparency and financial aid boosting treatment compliance, the scheme is a vital part of India’s fight to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025. Proper implementation and continued awareness efforts will ensure that this goal is met.

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