Financial Hardship in TB Treatment Programme

A recent survey sheds light on the significant financial challenges faced by TB patients in India. The survey, encompassing 1,482 TB patients across four states, reveals alarming levels of economic hardship resulting from delays in diagnosis and the long course of TB treatment.

Key-findings of the Study

• Financial Strain: TB patients experience the severe financial strain, with delays in diagnosis and loss of income during treatment contributing to substantial economic burdens.
• Catastrophic Costs: Between 30% to 61% of study participants faced catastrophic costs, defined as out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 20% of pre-TB annual household income. These costs pose a significant threat to the financial stability of TB-affected households.
• Pre-Diagnosis Delay: Over half of the participants faced catastrophic costs even before commencing TB treatment due to delays in diagnosis. The average delay of seven to nine weeks from symptom onset to treatment initiation significantly contributed to financial burdens.
• Recommendations: The survey recommends
  • intensifying private sector engagement
  • improving rapid diagnosis
  • implementing community awareness campaigns
  • expanding health insurance coverage for pre-treatment expenses
  • safeguarding TB patients from income loss

How ‘cost’ is a determining factor in TB treatment?

• TB treatment in India often imposes a significant financial burden on patients and their families due to various factors, including medical expenses, loss of income, and associated costs.
• Patients face a range of other recurring costs including the costs of accommodation, transport to healthcare facilities and consultations, multivitamins, and loss of income due to missed work
• Other Challenges:
• Delays in Diagnosis: Widespread delays in diagnosing TB persist due to various factors, including delayed testing and reliance on older diagnostic methods like smear microscopy.
• Diagnostic Gaps in Rural Areas: The availability of tools to diagnose extra-pulmonary TB, especially in rural areas, remains a significant gap in healthcare infrastructure.
• Barriers to Treatment Adherence: Poverty, lack of awareness about TB, and shortages of medication contribute to patients discontinuing treatment prematurely.

What measures are required?

• The findings of the survey underscore the urgent need for both policy and public interventions to alleviate the economic burden of TB on patients and the nation.
• Addressing delays in diagnosis, ensuring uninterrupted livelihood during treatment, and expanding health insurance coverage are essential steps towards mitigating catastrophic costs for TB-affected households.
• Furthermore, enhancing private sector engagement and community awareness campaigns can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment initiation, reducing financial hardships associated with TB.