Archive · 13 Jun 2025
TB Champion Program Faces Financial Squeeze, Impacting Patient Care
Imagine having a bad illness like TB and then getting help from people who used to have it too.
These people, called TB Champions, help others take their medicine and feel better.
But now, the money to pay these helpers is running out.
This means fewer people are getting the support they need, and some helpers have lost their jobs.
The government planned to get rid of TB by 2025 but now aims for 2030.
Because of funding problems, it is hard to provide help to patients and reach the goal.
TB Champion program, offering support to patients, faces financial issues across India.
TB Champions, former patients, counsel and raise awareness, but payments are delayed or stopped.
The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), aiming to eradicate TB by 2025 (now 2030), is under stress.
States cite fund shortages, affecting counsellors' ability to support patients.
Officials mention transition, but many champions face joblessness due to payment issues.
- Who
- TB Champions (former TB patients) and the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme.
- What
- Financial issues affect the TB Champion program.
- When
- Since 2023, funding issues have arisen, impacting payments.
- Where
- Across India, especially in Jharkhand, Haryana, and Maharashtra.
- Why
- Fund shortages and delays in government disbursement are causing the problems.
Supporters of the TB Champion Program
Government and Program Administrators
Value of TB Champions
Supporters of the TB Champion Program
Emphasize the vital role of TB Champions in providing mental health support.
Government and Program Administrators
N/A
Impact on Patient Care
Supporters of the TB Champion Program
Highlight the loss of a major component of patient care due to the absence of counselors.
Government and Program Administrators
N/A
- Program Goal
- Eradicate TB by 2025 (now 2030)
- TB Champions Role
- Counseling and awareness
- Honorarium
- Rs 6,000 - Rs 10,000 (varies by state)
- Training Organization
- Reach (non-profit)
- Funding Source
- National Health Mission (NHM)
- Spending 2023-24
- Rs 840 crore out of Rs 1,888 crore