This article is part of the UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis, covering The Hindu editorial – " Imagining a 360° and comprehensive TB care response," published on 25^th March, by the best UPSC coaching in Kolkata.

Syllabus: UPSC GS-II (Health, Governance, Welfare Policies) and GS-III (Science & Tech, Economic Impact, Disease Control).

READ ABOUT TB:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-editorials/the-need-for-universal-and-equitable-health-coverage

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/tuberculosis

Need for 360° and comprehensive TB care

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that affects not only physical health but also mental and social well-being. Addressing TB effectively requires a 360° response. And a comprehensive response requires a tapestry of system and community-level actions, ensuring equitable and person-centred care.

Challenges in TB Care

Despite TB being an airborne disease, there is widespread insularity and apathy towards it. The misconception that TB is a disease of the poor contributes to inadequate attention and resource allocation.

TB is often perceived as a simple disease, but its impact is far-reaching:

• Stigma, isolation and self-blame make recovery difficult
• Breakdown of social networks affects emotional well-being
• Economic burden disrupts livelihoods
• Healthcare system inefficiencies delay timely intervention

A fragmented system with insufficient human resources, inconsistent drug supplies and poor coordination makes TB care challenging.

What is Needed: Building a Resilient TB Response

A comprehensive TB response requires interventions at multiple levels to ensure that care is accessible, efficient and person-centred.

Strengthening the Public Health System

• Dedicated human resources to provide TB care at all levels
• Uninterrupted drug and commodity supply to avoid treatment disruptions
• Transition to person-centred care, addressing clinical, social and economic vulnerabilities
• Trained and well-compensated health workers for treatment literacy and psychosocial support

Community-Led Advocacy and Empowerment

• TB survivor-led initiatives to tackle stigma and encourage disclosure
• Community-driven awareness campaigns for early detection and prevention
• Feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement in TB care

Strengthening Diagnosis and Treatment

• Newer point-of-care diagnostic tools for rapid and accurate TB detection
• Improved infection control measures to prevent airborne transmission
• Better quality care in private healthcare settings to standardize treatment

TB Prevention and Long-Term Care

• Nutritional interventions to boost immunity and recovery
• Effective TB vaccine development to prevent infections
• Follow-up care for TB survivors to manage post-TB health complications
• Data-driven, gender-sensitive planning to address diverse needs

Beyond the Health Sector: The Role of Multisectoral Action:

Policy and Governance

• Elected representatives must integrate TB into health and development policies
• Government funding and strategic planning must be strengthened

Corporate and Economic Inclusion

• Integration of TB into social and private insurance schemes
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments in TB prevention and care
• Sustainable social business models to support TB care beyond public-private partnerships

Media and Public Awareness

• A well-informed media to break stigma and spread awareness
• Empowering TB Champions—survivors who inspire others to complete treatment
• Community-driven campaigns to mobilize action and advocacy

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility to End TB

India’s National Strategic Plan includes many of these elements, but piecemeal efforts won’t be enough. Every component—public health, governance, corporate investment and community action—must work together to build a seamless, stigma-free and accessible TB care ecosystem.

If TB care is to be truly person-centred, the system must ensure that no one falls through the cracks. By placing people with TB at the heart of the response, we can move towards a future where TB is no longer a crisis but a curable and preventable disease. 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Discuss the challenges in TB care and suggest measures for a 360° and comprehensive TB response in India. 250 Words.

1. Why is a 360° approach necessary for TB care?

TB affects physical, mental and social well-being. A 360° approach ensures holistic, person-centred care.

2. What are the key challenges in TB care?

Stigma, delayed diagnosis, economic burden, fragmented healthcare and inconsistent drug supply hinder effective TB care.

3. How can the public health system be strengthened?

Dedicated TB staff, uninterrupted drug supply, person-centred care and trained health workers are essential.

4. What role does the community play in TB care?

Community awareness, TB survivor advocacy, stigma reduction and early detection improve outcomes.

5. How can multisectoral action help eliminate TB?

Policy reforms, corporate funding, media awareness and insurance integration enhance TB care accessibility.