At a time when India is leaving no stone unturned to achieve the target of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global target, reports of shortage of vital anti-TB drugs across different parts of the country does not augur well for the health of the patients afflicted with the deadly disease, Survivors Against TB (SATB), a collective of TB survivors, experts, and advocates, has said.
It has written to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to address the alarming shortage of TB medicines citing reports.
“Reports have surfaced indicating a severe shortage of essential anti-TB medications, including Linezolid, Clofazimine, and Cycloserine, in Government Hospitals and private pharmacies in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and potentially other states. This crisis, initially brought to light by patient advocates and news reports, is raising concerns about a possible nationwide crisis affecting TB patients’ access to crucial medications,” said the group in the letter.
These medications are critical components of TB treatment regimens, especially for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB). The reported shortage, observed since June 2023, has the potential to endanger the health and well-being of patients who rely on these medications for their TB treatment.
SATB is urging swift and immediate action from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to resolve this situation. The group highlights the unnecessary burden that drug shortages place on TB-affected individuals and communities, compounding the challenges they already face.
“India, often referred to as the ‘pharmacy of the world’, has made significant commitments to eliminating TB. However, the current drug shortages undermine these efforts, hinder the availability of crucial medications and impact citizens’ right to health”, said Ashna Ashesh, MDR TB survivor, lawyer, public health professional and SATB fellow.
To address this crisis, SATB is requesting the Ministry to conduct a comprehensive national investigation into the drug shortages and the distributio of drugs nearing their expiry date; ensure the rapid procurement and distribution of Linezolid, Clofazimine, and Cycloserine to government hospitals and private pharmacies.There is also a need to establish a robust mechanism for drug forecasting to prevent future shortages and ensure a continuous supply of essential anti-TB medications, it said.
“SATB firmly believes that with timely and decisive action, this crisis can be averted, ensuring that TB affected individuals receive the person-centred care they deserve”, added Chapal Mehra, Convenor SATB.