Metropolis Foundation commences adoption of TB patients in Mumbai under Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

Mumbai: Metropolis Foundation announced that it has commenced the on-ground execution of adopting TB patients under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Under the Ni-Kshay Mitra 2.0 initiative, Metropolis is extending nutritional support to 650 consented TB patients in Mumbai district residing at the ‘L’ ward (Kurla).

According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai has a high load of TB patients with few of the 24 wards with a high TB burden. And it has been observed that one such ward with a higher number of TB cases is the ‘L’ ward.

Metropolis Foundation (being a Ni-Kshay Mitra) will be working closely with DTO, L ward and will be supporting the TB patients with monthly grocery kits from Apna Bazaar co-op for the next six months. Under this initiative, the patient will be provided with a printed voucher at the health post where he/she is receiving medicines. The patient will then have to reach out to one of the Apna Bazar stores identified to collect their pre-packed high-protein nutrition kit. The store will honour the voucher and the kit will be handed over to the patient free of cost. The reimbursement will be done later to the respective store by Metropolis Foundation.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr Duru Shah, Chairperson, Metropolis Foundation said, “The global target to end TB as per the Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce TB incidence by 80 per cent, TB deaths by 90 per cent & cut catastrophic costs due to TB by 2030.”

Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific Officer and Group Head – CSR, Metropolis Healthcare commented, “The ultimate aim of this initiative is to ensure continued adherence to treatment, improvement in weight and overall immunity of the patient, decreasing the out-of-pocket expenses and sick leaves. We believe that the quicker recovery of TB patients can help in lesser transmission of TB in society.”