The Indian government has approved a new technique, the B-Pal-M regimen, which will allow the treatment of MDR-TB in six months. This technique will not only reduce treatment time but also significantly reduce the cost.

TB treatment

Tuberculosis (TB), or tuberculosis, is considered one of the world's most chronic and dangerous diseases. Millions of people in India suffer from this disease every year. The situation is especially difficult for patients who develop multidrug-resistant TB. Patients must undergo a complex, 18-20-month course of medication, often with numerous side effects. But now, there's news of relief for these patients. The Indian government has approved a new technology, the B-Pal-M regimen, which will make it possible to treat MDR TB within six months. This technology will not only reduce treatment time but also significantly reduce its cost.

What is the B-Pal-M Regimen Technique?

The B-Pal-M regimen consists of four drugs: bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin. All of these drugs directly target MDR-TB bacteria and help eliminate the infection rapidly. It is an oral medication course, meaning it does not require injections. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, this regimen is significantly safer and more cost-effective than existing drug plans. Furthermore, the government provides these medications free of charge.

What is multi-drug resistant TB?

Multidrug-resistant TB occurs when TB bacteria escape the effects of common medications like isoniazid and rifampicin. This condition occurs when patients leave their TB treatment incomplete or misuse the medication. In this disease, the infection spreads slowly, and treatment is rarely effective. Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, high fever, night sweats, sudden weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and chest pain.

The central government has approved.

The Union Health Ministry has approved the BPALM scheme as part of PM Modi's goal of eliminating TB by 2025. This new technology will benefit approximately 75,000 MDR TB patients across the country by providing shorter treatment. According to the ministry, while previously patients had to take medication for 20 months, treatment can now be completed in just six months. Furthermore, if you receive this medication from a government hospital, it will be provided free of charge.