Availability, utilization and challenges for implementation of Nikshay Mitra scheme in Mandya district of Karnataka:...

NTEP has launched Nikshay Mitra to link patients in need (providing consent for donation) with a willing donor to provide food items including locally available, culturally accepted, nutritious food kits worth Rs 800 every month, till the completion of treatment. It has been around six months since the launch of this scheme and complaints related to the regularity of the supply of nutritional kits are surfacing. Our study aims to describe availability and utilization pattern of the Nikshay Mitra scheme and explore provider challenges for its implementation in Mandya District.

A mixed-method study was conducted on 255 TB patients from Mandya district. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit details related to socio-demography, Nikshay Mitra utilization pattern and beneficiary experience. Qualitative data collection was done using FGD and matrix ranking methods.

The majority (25.49%) were in the age group of 56-65 years. Only 140(54.90%) participants were informed about the scheme. Among the informed, 117(83.57%) patients gave consent to enrol into the scheme. Out of those who consented, 97(82.90%) were receiving the Monthly food kit. Major challenges expressed on FGD were stigma related to disease, concerns regarding confidentiality, difficulty in retaining the donors and interrupted supply. Participants also felt that the quantity of the kit was not sufficient.

Nikshay Mitra scheme is a new endeavour. There are still issues that must be resolved to optimize availability and utilization pattern. Though the initial identification of donors was smooth, continued support is not possible by current guidelines.