The government′s Nikshay Mitra campaign, which promotes the adoption of TB patients and takes care of their nutritional needs, is an "immediate success," according to sources in the health ministry. Over 1.7 lakh TB patients were adopted in three days after the President announced it.

An official said that approximately nine lakh of the 13.5 lakh TB patients in India receiving treatment have agreed to participate in the adoption program. Additionally, according to sources, Gujarat′s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya intends to adopt tuberculosis patients from his birth place Palitana block in Bhavnagar.

The word "nikshay" refers to the eradication of tuberculosis. Health ministry sources stated that information on all TB patients who have consented to the adoption program is reportedly online. All those interested in adopting one or more patients must complete a form pledging to give nutritional support. However, if someone desires, they can also assist in other ways or help such patients′ or their family members search for employment.

The majority of TB patients have been enrolled for adoption thus far in UP (4,416), followed by MP (2,286) and Maharashtra (643), among other states.

The initiative has two goals: first, to turn the TB eradication program into a popular movement; second, to give more financial and social support to those infected with the disease. (ETHealthWorld, September 13, 2022)