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Free TB Medicines Still Leave Indian Patients Facing Financial Burdens
India provides free TB medicines through its government programme, but treatment can still cost families a lot.
A review of 21 studies found that care cost about ₹20,674 per patient on average.
Much of that burden came from money patients lost when they could not work.
Some families also paid for diagnosis and treatment from private doctors.
About 15% of households with drug-sensitive lung TB spent more than one-fifth of their income on TB care.
The programme helped reduce some direct costs, but other costs went up.
Researchers say patients need help with lost earnings and getting back to work, as well as free medicines.
They describe TB as both a health problem and an economic problem.
A review of 21 Indian studies from 2014 to 2024 estimated average TB care costs at ₹20,674 per patient.
Indirect costs, including lost wages and reduced productivity, averaged ₹12,767, while direct medical expenses averaged ₹6,952.
About 15% of households affected by drug-sensitive pulmonary TB faced catastrophic health expenditure, defined as spending over 20% of household income.
After the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme began, direct medical and non-medical costs declined, but indirect and diagnostic costs increased.
Researchers say support should address income loss, diagnosis costs, private-sector care and patients’ return to work, not only provide free medicines.
- Who
- People in India with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis and their households.
- What
- A systematic review found that patients can face substantial costs despite free TB medicines.
- Where
- India.
- When
- The review covered studies published from 2014 to 2024; the report was published October 4, 2026.
- Why
- Lost income, reduced productivity, diagnostic expenses and seeking care in the private sector can leave costs even when medicines are free.
Key facts
- Studies reviewed
- 21 Indian studies published between 2014 and 2024
- Average cost per patient
- ₹20,674
- Average indirect costs
- ₹12,767, including lost wages and reduced productivity
- Average direct medical expenses
- ₹6,952
- Households facing catastrophic expenditure
- About 15% of households affected by drug-sensitive pulmonary TB
- Catastrophic expenditure definition
- More than 20% of household income spent on TB care
- Average cost before and after NTEP
- About ₹20,263 before and ₹21,301 after its introduction
Quotes
Dr Aviraj KS
Researcher involved in the meta-analysis
“Even though the medical cost has reduced, what is hidden or not being seen is the cost beyond the medical treatment, which is the income of the patient, the productivity of the patient”
thehindubusinessline.com
“Government should work before the patient reaches the public healthcare structure”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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