Sans Aadhaar, TB patients struggle to get money for treatment

Stating that many citizens, especially in rural areas still do not have Aadhaar cards, a civic official said, “Most of the residents in the state have ration cards so it can be suggested as an alternative instead of restricting it to the Aadhaar alone.”

Suggesting using any other identity card, the official said, “It will be difficult for many of the patients to avail the amount if the identity required is limited to the Aadhaar card alone.”

It may be noted that the Centre is set to roll out financial support services to the TB patients across the country providing Rs750 per month to each patient through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In a recent report, it was stated that to avail of this monetary benefit, TB patients enrolled under the government’s Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) will have to produce their Aadhaar unique identity numbers and bank account details.

While it has been reported that the Ministry of health wrote to all the states and union territories to identify TB patients and enrol them to receive the monetary assistance, officials in the state allege that they are yet to receive instructions. “It is the higher authorities who will finally decide if an alternative can be provided or not. Once we receive the instructions from the Centre, if required, we will appeal for an alternative to be provided to persons without Aadhaar cards,” stated a health official.

“Tuberculosis patients in our country are always in a struggle. While it is essential for them to refrain from stopping their medication, many tend to ignore the same due to financial difficulties. If a scheme like this is introduced and carried out diligently, many patients will be benefited. However, it is important to take into account the patients who still do not have their Aadhaar cards and to provide alternatives for them,” stated Dr S Natarajan, a Pulmonologist and TB expert.