TB survivors seek govt clarification on continuity of TB medicines & diagnostic supplies

New Delhi: Survivors Against TB (SATB), a national survivor-led network representing people affected by tuberculosis across India, has written to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) seeking clarification on the continuity of supply of anti-TB medicines and diagnostic consumables under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

The request comes amid growing global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international trade routes that could potentially affect the supply of essential health commodities.

In its letter, SATB asked the Ministry to clarify whether the programme anticipates any disruptions, now or in the immediate future, in the supply of anti-TB medicines, particularly those used for multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB (MDR/XDR-TB), as well as diagnostic consumables that are critical for TB testing and detection.

India’s treatment protocols for drug-resistant TB increasingly rely on newer and repurposed medicines such as bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, clofazimine, and pretomanid, including newer regimens such as BPaL/BPaLM for highly drug-resistant TB. These treatments have significantly improved outcomes and are now a critical component of national DR-TB care.

However, some of these medicines depend on global manufacturing partnerships or a limited number of manufacturers, which may make supply chains vulnerable to international disruptions. Diagnostic consumables used in TB testing systems are equally essential to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.

SATB has requested clarification from the Ministry on the current supply outlook for TB medicines and diagnostic consumables, the status of buffer stocks, and any mitigation measures that may be in place to prevent disruptions.

“For people undergoing MDR/XDR-TB treatment, which can last many months, any interruption in treatment can have serious consequences, including treatment failure and amplification of drug resistance,” the network noted.

SATB emphasised that transparent communication and preparedness planning are essential to protect the health and confidence of those currently undergoing TB treatment, as well as those who may initiate therapy in the coming months.

The network reiterated its commitment to supporting the Government of India and the NTEP in ensuring person-centred TB care and disseminating accurate information to TB-affected communities across the country.