What is the Average Cost of MDR-TB Treatment in India?

Catastrophic costs for MDR-TB Treatment in India

India faces a significant challenge with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), particularly multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), where the bacteria is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most effective first-line TB drugs. This resistance makes procedure more complex, lengthy, and costly MDR-TB Treatment in India, with lower success rates. The treatment success rate for MDR-TB in India is lower than the global average, with a significant proportion of patients not achieving a cure.  

What is the cost of MDR-TB treatment in India?

Treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB in India can cost can range from free of cost under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme of government to significantly expensive, especially in the private sector, potentially costing lakhs of rupees. The cost can run into tens of lakhs for special cases, needed specialized interventions like brain surgery and extended ICU stay. The cost can differ drastically depending on factors like duration of treatment, the specific drugs required, and whether hospitalization or any specialized interventions are needed.

Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme, MDR-TB treatment is provided free of cost, including necessary medications and diagnostic tests. This program aims to manage drug-resistant TB through Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant TB (PMDT). While treatment in private clinics or hospitals can be considerably more expensive, potentially costing several lakhs of rupees, even up to 25 lakhs based on complexity of cases.

Quick Comparison on MDR-TB Treatment Cost: Government Vs Private

Note: Government hospitals may charge minimal fees for certain services, such as registration or specific procedures.

Key Points about MDR-TB Treatment in India:

• BPaLM Regimen: This 6-month oral regimen is a significant advancement in MDR-TB treatment, offering a shorter, more effective, and potentially less costly option. 
• Individualized Approach: While BPaLM is preferred regimen, treatment plans may be tailored based on the individual patient’s need and drug sensitivity testing results. 
• Traditional Regimens: Longer, 9-11 month regimens, often including bedaquiline and delamanid, are also available, especially for cases where BPaLM is not suitable. 
• Treatment Success Rates:
• Cost Consideration: While the BPaLM regimen is generally cost-effective, MDR-TB treatment can still be expensive, particularly with specialised interventions or prolonged stays in intensive care.
• Importance of Immediate diagnosis: Accurate and timely diagnosis of rifampicin resistance is crucial for effective treatment planning.

Top Hospitals in India for MDR-TB Treatment

Top Government Hospitals in India (Free Treatment)

• AIIMS, New Delhi
• JJ hospital, Mumbai
• PGIMER, Chandigarh
• NITRD, New Delhi
• Rajan Babu TB Hospital in Delhi
• Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine in Chennai
• State TB centres (available in all district)

Top Private Hospitals in India (Paid Treatment)

• Apollo Hospitals (New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad)
• Fortis Hospitals
• Max Healthcare
• Manipal Hospital
• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore

In essence, early diagnosis and adherence to treatment are key to recovery and preventing XDR-TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant TB). While MDR-Treatment is free under the government program, seeking health care in private hospitals across India can lead to significant financial burden for patients and their families.

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