The state of Tamil Nadu has begun a program to offer free short-course therapy for the prevention of tuberculosis among close contacts of patients with bacterial infections. Mr. Ma Subramanian, the states health minister, announced the scheme while unveiling the states strategic plan 2.0 for TB elimination by 2025. He also established screening programs for drug-resistant tuberculosis in newly diagnosed patients at medical college hospitals in Trichy and Coimbatore.

He stated that the disease is preventable and curable. He revealed that to attain TB-free status by 2025, Tamil Nadu needs to reduce the prevalence of infection to 40 per 1 lakh people in high-burden areas like Chennai and 10 per 1 lakh people in low-burden districts like the Nilgiris, respectively.

The two medications, which must be taken once a week for three months, minimize the risk of illness and assist officials in reducing the monitoring period from 180 days. Traditional therapy costs ten times more than conventional therapy.

He revealed that so far, the state has supplied medicine that a patients relative must take every day for six months. Volunteers and healthcare staff found it difficult to supervise them, and the high dropout rate rendered preventative treatment useless.

The health department will now provide each close contact with a pack of isoniazid and rifapentine (300mg each), which they must take once a week for three months. According to the minister, Tamil Nadu is the first state to acquire and distribute pharmaceuticals under the federal plan. 

(Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-to-offer-short-course-therapy-to-avert-spread-of-tb-among-close-contacts/articleshowprint/100367157.cms?val=3728 )