Nikshay Poshan Yojana to provide Nutritional Support to TB patients

States have also been advised to facilitate opening of zero balance accounts for TB patients, if necessary, under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Indian Postal Bank.

New Delhi: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme for nutritional support to tuberculosis patients as 'Nikshay Poshan Yojana' (NPY) from April 1, 2018.

As on January 1, 2019, out of 20.94 lakhs eligible beneficiaries, 8.78 lakh (42 per cent) beneficiaries have received the benefit under the scheme, official sources here said.

The Ministry has provided detailed guidance to the state, Union Territories on how DBT is to be operationalised.

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State, union territories have been given different payment options as per their convenience for either making payment directly through Public Financial Management System (PFMS) or through the Nikshay PFMS interface.

The flexibility of providing the benefit through the existing bank account of a blood relative has also been given.

States have also been advised to facilitate opening of zero balance accounts for TB patients, if necessary, under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and Indian Postal Bank.

The Ministry is regularly monitoring the implementation of this scheme and promptly addressing the challenges identified by the State/UTs.