From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About BPaL/M;
Why in the News?
In the present context, in India, there are groundbreaking new treatments available, but we need to rethink and update the program to eliminate TB.
Current status of TB in India:
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What were the problems with previous Extended Treatment Regimen?
- Lengthy and Complex: Traditional TB treatment regimens are long and require patients to take 13 to 14 tablets daily for 9 to 11 months, or 4 to 5 tablets daily for 18 to 24 months.
- Severe Side Effects: These regimens are physically and psychologically draining, causing side effects like loss of hearing and psychosis.
- Economic Impact: Prolonged treatment leads to loss of employment and drives many families into poverty due to the need for frequent clinic visits.
WHO-Recommended Effective Regimen:
- BPaL/M Regimen: WHO has recommended a shorter, safer, and more effective regimen called BPaL/M for drug-resistant TB patients.
- Advantages: This regimen requires only 3 to 4 tablets daily for six months, with fewer side effects and higher success rates (89% compared to 68% for traditional treatments).
- Close to 80 countries have procured the BPaL/M regimen, and 20 high-burden countries are already rolling it out.
Present TB Elimination Policy in India:
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How India can make the best use of new treatments?
- Proactive Screening and Diagnosis: Focus on modernizing health datasets, GIS mapping, and conducting targeted multi-disease screening drives, especially in vulnerable populations (e.g., those with comorbidities, slum dwellers, and prisoners).
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Expand the use of portable X-ray machines with AI-driven tools and rapid molecular tests for faster and more accurate detection and drug resistance profiling.
- Early Detection and Treatment: Leveraging new technologies and proactive measures will help improve TB detection rates, reduce delays, and enhance treatment outcomes, ultimately aiding in the elimination of TB in India.
Conclusion: India need to invest in advanced diagnostic tools like AI-driven portable X-ray machines and rapid molecular tests to ensure early and accurate detection of TB, particularly in high-risk and underserved populations, to support timely treatment and reduce TB incidence.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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