ICMR: TB Patients Face High Costs from Productivity Loss and Hospitalization

New Delhi: Tuberculosis (TB) patients in India are grappling with catastrophic costs due to lost productivity and hospitalization, as per a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Conducted by researchers from the ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) in Chennai, the study highlights the significant social and economic challenges posed by TB to households across the country.

Led by Kathiresan Jeyashree, a scientist at ICMR-NIE, the research found that nearly half of TB patients experience catastrophic expenses, particularly those from economically disadvantaged groups. “Even with free diagnosis and treatment provided under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), patients often face substantial out-of-pocket expenses and productivity losses, leading to financial crises,” the team reported to IANS.

Published in the journal Global Health Research and Policy, the study analyzed costs incurred by 1,407 TB patients during their care, identifying direct medical, non-medical, and indirect costs as key contributors. Catastrophic costs were defined as expenses exceeding 20% of a household’s annual income.

Key findings revealed that the average age of patients was 40.8 years, with 61.5% being male and 55.9% actively employed. Among the patients, 34 (2.4%) had drug-resistant TB, while 258 (18.3%) required hospitalization.

Direct costs, including medical and non-medical expenses, accounted for 34% of total expenditures. Younger patients, those without health insurance, and individuals hospitalized for TB bore the highest financial burdens. Notably, 45% of patients incurred catastrophic costs, with those hospitalized or receiving care from private healthcare providers at greater risk.

The study emphasized the urgent need to expand health insurance coverage for TB patients and to implement strategies addressing the social determinants of the disease. Early notification and improved access to affordable healthcare could mitigate the financial strain on affected households.

“Enabling early notification of TB cases and expanding insurance coverage to include TB patients are critical steps,” said Jeyashree to IANS. The researchers also recommended the adoption of TB-sensitive strategies to tackle the underlying social and economic factors contributing to the high costs associated with the disease.

The findings underscore the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to alleviate the economic burden of TB on vulnerable populations, ensuring effective care and improved outcomes for affected individuals.