AHPI END TB Initiative: To establish uniform standards of TB care through STEPS

New Delhi: In an effort to combat the pressing issue of tuberculosis in India and advance the AHPI's commitment to healthcare excellence, the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI) successfully launched the ''AHPI END TB Initiative.'' 

This initiative was marked by a national-level virtual event titled AHPI End TB Initiative: Ensuring Uniform Standards of TB Care in India through STEPS, held on August 24, 2023. This event signified a significant stride towards achieving India's goal of eradicating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target.

Leading experts including Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Director General AHPI, Dr Bhabatosh Biswas, President AHPI, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mattoo, Addl. DDG (TB), Central TB Division, NTEP, MoHFW, GoI, Dr. Jyoti Jaju, Project Director, iDEFEAT TB, The Union, Dr. Shibu Balakrishnan, NPO, WHO India, and Dr. Sunil Khetarpal, Director, AHPI shared their insights at the national-level webinar.

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With Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting a visionary goal to eliminate TB from the country by 2025, five years ahead of the global eradication target in 2030, the mission gains remarkable significance. India's prowess in domestic TB medicine production, diagnostic supply, and robust research and development has positioned the nation as a leader in expanding access to TB prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and care on a global scale. However, despite these pivotal strides, a stronger sense of urgency and purpose is essential to achieving the 2025 target for TB elimination in India.

Recognizing that the private healthcare sector serves as the primary point of contact for over 50% of TB diagnosis and care, AHPI initiated the AHPI End TB Initiative. This initiative aims to advocate and establish standardized systems of TB care across its member hospitals, fostering collaboration with the Corporate TB Pledge initiative led by The Union, as part of the USAID/India-supported iDEFEAT TB Project.

During the enlightening webinar, AHPI unveiled its strategic blueprint for ensuring uniform standards of TB care in India. The esteemed speakers delved into comprehensive strategies designed to accelerate the elimination of TB from communities. Dr Girdhar Gyani, Director General AHPI, emphasized the significance of collective efforts, stating, "The AHPI End TB Initiative represents a crucial stride towards our mission of eradicating TB from India. By aligning with international partnerships, we are committed to raising the standards of TB care across our member hospitals. 

This initiative not only underscores our dedication to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to every individual affected by TB but also reinforces our resolve to drive systemic changes within the healthcare sector.

Through collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, we aspire to create a paradigm shift in the way TB is approached and treated in our nation. Our pursuit of uniform standards of care is a testament to the transformative potential of collective action, echoing the spirit of solidarity needed to overcome challenges as pervasive as TB. Together, we aim to not only improve the lives of those currently afflicted by this disease but to pave the way for a TB-free future for generations to come."

STEPS empowers patients by granting them the freedom to choose their doctors and hospitals while ensuring adherence to government treatment standards. Patient education, regular interactions, and the integration of HIV and diabetic tests underscore its holistic approach. Supported by the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, STEPS is a beacon of comprehensive, patient-centered care, shaping a future where TB is preventable and treatable.

In the pursuit of ending TB by 2025, AHPI remains resolute in its commitment to achieving uniform standards of TB care across India. With such collaborative and strategic endeavors, AHPI is positioning itself as a catalyst for change in the healthcare landscape.