Anti-TB Drugs: Urgent appeal to address critical shortage in India

Institute a robust mechanism for drug forecasting to preempt future shortages and guarantee a steady supply of essential anti-TB drugs.

The Health Master

September 26, 2023

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Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by The Health Master

Anti-TB Drugs

In a pressing plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Survivors Against TB (SATB) collective, comprised of TB survivors, experts, and advocates, has drawn attention to a severe shortage of crucial anti-TB drugs across various regions of India.

This alarming scarcity of essential medications, including Linezolid, Clofazimine, and Cycloserine, has been reported in both government hospitals and private pharmacies, particularly in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and potentially in other states.

SATB has also previously communicated their concerns to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, over a month ago.

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The Gravitas of the Situation:

The shortage, initially brought to light by dedicated patient advocates and corroborated by news reports, is now raising profound concerns about a possible nationwide crisis that threatens the access of TB patients to these vital medications.

The medications in question form critical components of TB treatment regimens, especially for those suffering from multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB).

This scarcity, persisting since June 2023, poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of patients reliant on these medications for their TB treatment.

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The Call for Swift Action:

SATB underscores the urgency for immediate action from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and now the Prime Minister’s Office to rectify this distressing situation.

They highlight the unnecessary burden that drug shortages impose on TB-affected individuals and communities, exacerbating the challenges they already grapple with.

Deepti Chavan, an MDR TB survivor, patient advocate, and SATB fellow, asserts, “India has made significant commitments to eliminating TB, including its Jan Andolan.

However, the present medicine shortages jeopardize these initiatives, restrict access to necessary treatments, and affect people’s right to health”.

SATB’s Urgent Requests:

To redress this crisis, SATB urgently implores the Ministry and PMO to take the following steps:

Immediate Investigation: Conduct a thorough national investigation into the drug shortages and scrutinize the distribution of drugs nearing their expiration date.
Swift Procurement and Supply: Ensure the prompt procurement and distribution of Linezolid, Clofazimine, and Cycloserine to both government hospitals and private pharmacies.
Robust Forecasting Mechanism: Institute a robust mechanism for drug forecasting to preempt future shortages and guarantee a steady supply of essential anti-TB drugs.
Public Statement: Issue a public statement elucidating the Ministry and PMO’s actions to address this crisis, reassuring TB-affected individuals of the care they rightfully deserve.

A Glimpse of Hope:

SATB firmly believes that, with timely and decisive action, this crisis can be averted, ensuring that TB-affected individuals receive the person-centered care they deserve.

SATB eagerly anticipates a swift response from the Ministry and the PMO and stands poised to collaborate in tackling this pressing issue.

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