As we are approaching our end TB deadline of 2025, new strategies are being implemented by NTEP to achieve a step towards TB elimination. Almost 50% of patients seek care from the private sector and providing free services of NTEP to private sector patients and getting information about patients from the private sector is a difficult task. Nagpur Corporation has always been progressive about initiating pilot projects for TB elimination with the active participation of the private sector. Nagpur corporation has always been progressive about initiating pilot projects for TB elimination with active participation of the private sector like UATBC, DRTB patients’ food distribution, X-ray outsourcing etc.
Recently NTEP and NMC approved its first private DRTB centre at Aastha Critical Care. In recent times it was observed that many patients were diagnosed as Drug-Resistant in the private sector. DRTB treatment is very expensive and many newer drugs like bedaquiline, delaminide, etc. are not available in the market. Also, as per NTEP & WHO there are new regimens for DRTB patients. It is observed that private patients are not readily willing to seek care from the public sector. With the intention of not losing patients, it but providing best of the best treatment for DRTB patients’ this private DRTB centre is very crucial.
Experts from the private sector like Dr Nainesh Patel (senior pulmonologist), and Dr Shinde, from the public sector like Dr Radha Munje, Dr Sushant Meshram, Dr Gyanshankar Mishra & other specialities consultants like Pediatricians, ENT Surgeons, Psychiatrists, Ophthalmologist, etc committee is formed which assess the patients’ for deciding best possible regimen for the patients.
Free services are provided to DRTB patients at the Private DRTB centre at Astha Critical Care, Plot no. 86, Balaji Sabhagruha, Manewada Ring Road, Suyog Nagar, Nagpur:
- Diagnosis: Using public labs (NAAT, LPA, Culture DST, etc.)
- Hospitalization as required (maximum 7 days)
- Pre-treatment evaluation: CBC, RBS, LFT, KFT, ECG (Mfx, Bdq, Cfz or Dlm), Urine examination – R & M, TFT, UPT, Sr. Electrolytes (Na, K, Mg, Ca), Sr. Uric Acid, Ophthalmologist opinion, Psychiatric evaluation)
- MDR Drugs
- TB Preventive Therapy for Contacts
- Follow-up evaluation
- Counseling & ADR management guidelines.
This exceptional initiative from NTEP, Nagpur Municipal Corporation is surely making a difference in giving DRTB care in private sector.