National Strategic Plan for TB elimination in 2 months: Dr Sunil Khaparde

India will soon expand its multi-drug resistant tuberculosis programme with 3,000 courses of life-saving TB drug Bedaquiline. DNA talks to Deputy Director General, TB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Sunil Khaparde on the plan ahead.

What is the status of the bedaquiline roll out?

Bedaquiline is being given to patients under the Conditional Access Programme (CAP) in five states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Delhi. In November, we are procuring 10,000 doses through United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Of these, 3,000 doses have been earmarked for this year. Once the drugs arrive, the programme will be rolled out in 140 MDR-TB centres pan India.

Why has the roll out been so slow?

Bedaquiline drug has not had class 4 clinical trials. We need ECG machines to monitor lung and heart capacity. The first group of 400 patients are yet to complete six months.

What about nutritional support for patients?

It will not be in the form raw materials but there will be incentives that takes care of nutrition. Kerala, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have ensured that MDR-TB patients are made eligible for a social welfare scheme.

Can we expect revised drug regimens for MDR-TB?

The treatment could be reduced to 11 months from 24 months. The government can save upto Rs 50,000 per year per patient.

How are you approaching the TB elimination target of 2025?

A National Strategic Plan for 2017-25 aims elimination by 2025. The strategy will be implemented in two months.