Assessment of utilization of nutritional support scheme vis a vis nutritional status of tuberculosis patients on nutritional support scheme

Introduction Tuberculosis and undernutrition is a well-known association and form a vicious cycle. A nutritional support scheme under the name of NIKSHAY POSHAN YOJANA (NPY) was launched in April 2018 where a direct bank transfer of INR 500 was made to the patients enrolled in the NIKSHAY portal monthly to support the nutritional needs of the patients. The study was undertaken to study the implementation and utilization of the benefit among tuberculosis patients. Methods A total of 1000 patients were enrolled in the study who have completed their treatment under the Tuberculosis unit of Rao Tula Ram Memorial Hospital in South West Delhi. Results Mean age ±S.D. of the study participants was 33.94 ± 15.38 years. Majority (55.2%) were males. More than half (51.6%) of the study participants had not received the incentive money till the completion of their treatment while 53.9% of the participants had received at least one installment but not all of them. Amongst those who received, 90.1% of participants spent it on their nutrition while the remaining spent it on other expenses. The major reason for not receiving the incentive or the delay in receiving it was found to be lack of funds with the Government (84.5%) or lack of communication with the healthcare workers (29.1%). The improvement in their nutritional status (weight and BMI) was found significant in all the participants while it was comparatively more among those who received the monetary suport than those who did not receive it. Conclusion The nutritional support scheme had a significant improvement in the nutritional status of the beneficiaries. It can be improved with better communication from the healthcare workers and timely implementation so that beneficiaries can receive the benefit in time during their disease.