The TB crisis and women: why gender issues matters more than ever
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Topic: GS2 – Social Justice –Health |
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Context |
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Challenges Faced by Women
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Women in India struggle with under-diagnosis and financial barriers while accessing TB treatment.
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They face social stigma and discrimination, making their journey to recovery difficult.
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Many women are abandoned by their families and lose their jobs after being diagnosed with TB.
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The burden of household responsibilities and lack of social support often prevents them from seeking timely treatment.
Impact of Gender Norms
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Gender differences affect access to TB-related services in both public and private healthcare sectors.
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Many women ignore symptoms or prioritize family needs over their own health.
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The mental and emotional toll of TB is severe, leading to isolation and depression.
TB Burden in India
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27% of the world’s TB cases are from India.
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In 2022, 331,000 deaths occurred due to TB, with 23 deaths per 100,000 people.
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2.5% of new cases and 13% of previously treated cases are drug-resistant.
Government Initiatives for TB Elimination
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India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global 2030 target.
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The National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) focuses on early detection, treatment, and prevention.
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Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides ₹1,000 per month to TB patients during treatment.
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Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan offers additional nutritional support through community contributions.
Need for Stronger Implementation
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NGOs urge better implementation of benefit schemes to ensure proper nutrition and medicines reach the poor.
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The government is working on engaging private sectors and raising awareness to eliminate TB effectively.
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Practice Question: Discuss the gender-specific challenges faced by women in accessing tuberculosis treatment in India. Suggest policy measures to improve healthcare accessibility and social support for female TB patients. (150 Words /10 marks) |
