Karnataka Government Announces Nutritional Aid for Tuberculosis Patients

Swift Summary

• The Health Department has mandated additional nutritional support for tuberculosis (TB) patients in Karnataka.
• Newly diagnosed TB patients with a body mass index (BMI) below 18 at the start of treatment will receive 6 kg of nutrition powder each month for two months.
• Distribution will occur through anganwadi centres, except in Chitradurga, Ballari, and Tumakuru districts under the jurisdiction of Karnataka Mining Surroundings Restoration Corporation (KMERC).
• Effective August 1, 2025, weight measurements of participating TB patients must be recorded in Ni-kshay software and TB treatment cards. Proper storage to maintain quality of nutrition powder is also required.

Indian Opinion analysis
The initiative demonstrates a proactive step towards improving health outcomes for vulnerable TB patients in Karnataka by addressing malnourishment as a critical comorbidity. Providing nutritional aid alongside medical care aims to enhance recovery rates and overall patient well-being while aligning with India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Program goals. Though, logistical challenges such as ensuring proper storage and equitable distribution through anganwadi centres must be carefully managed to avoid gaps or inefficiencies in implementation-particularly given regional exemptions like the KMERC areas. Accurate weight tracking via Ni-kshay software may also contribute valuable data on program effectiveness while strengthening India’s broader data-driven approach to combating TB.

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