Centre undertakes regular assessments to monitor Anti-TB drugs Stock: MoS Health
New Delhi: The government has ensured an adequate availability and uninterrupted supply of anti-TB drugs through the medium of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), the Union Minister of State for Health Smt. Anupriya Patel informed the Lok Sabha recently.
The Minister was responding to the questions raised by Shri Manickam Tagore B who sought details on whether the country is experiencing a shortage of drugs essential for treating drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) and if so, the details thereof; whether an uninterrupted supply of quality assured anti-TB drugs is acknowledge as an essential component of its DOTS strategy and if so, the details thereof.
He questioned whether the shortage of anti-TB drugs leads to a situation of treatment interruption and a very high risk of developing resistance in the country and if so, the details thereof; whether the Government has received representations in this regard from the activists working on eradication of TB in the country and if so, the details thereof; and the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to remove the shortage of anti-TB drugs?
While addressing the questions, MoS Health Patel answered that the adequate availability and uninterrupted supply of anti-TB drugs are vital components of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) conducts regular assessments to monitor stock levels across states /UTs. Release Orders / Transfers Orders are issued routinely from central level to the states and UTs to replenish the stock position of anti-TB drugs.
Additionally, States and UTs have been equipped with resources under NHM for local procurement of anti-tuberculosis drugs in limited quantities, to address any emergent needs promptly. Central TB Division of MoHFW receives representations from citizens informing about possible shortages. It takes prompt action by releasing a central stock of drugs or re-allocating drugs, inter-state / intra-state in consultation with the State concerned, she further informed.
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