The uptake and utilization of Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Lessons from an urban setting in India

The monetary incentive under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) for patients with tuberculosis (TB) could be wasted on purposes other than intended. We explored the uptake and ways of utilization of NPY.

Demographic, clinical, and installment-related information was retrieved from the beneficiary registers. Through telephonic interviews, knowledge about the purpose of the incentive and receipt of the same in the bank accounts was sought, with reasons for non-receipt. The avenues of expenditure were documented. Any dietary modifications after the TB diagnosis were noted, specifically regarding milk, proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

Out of 1882 patients, 1863 (99%) knew their eligibility, and 1788 (95%) knew the incentive was for buying food. The median duration between diagnosis and receipt of the first installment was 1 month (IQR 1,2). Of the 988 patients claiming non-receipt of the incentive, 923 (93.4%) had not checked their bank accounts. The money was refused by 98 patients. 570/796 (71.6%) patients had bought food. 1449 (76.9%) changed their diet after the diagnosis. Most patients consumed cereals, proteins, milk, fruits, and vegetables at least thrice a week.

NPY awareness was almost universal. Most of the participants used it for the intended purpose and were found to make healthy dietary modifications after their TB diagnosis.