GS2 – Society
Context:
Tamil Nadu has achieved notable success in reducing TB-related deaths through its TN-KET (Kasanoi Erappila Thittam) initiative launched in 2022. It focuses on early detection and timely treatment of severely ill TB patients and is now being seen as a potential national model for replication, especially as India accounts for 29% of global TB deaths.
Key Features of TN-KET:
- Triage-based Screening:
A simple triage tool is used to detect physical signs of severity in TB patients. - Digital Risk Assessment:
Integration of a digital application called TB SeWA enables real-time assessment of death risk. - Differentiated Care:
Patients are categorised as severe or non-severe, enabling tailored treatment approaches. - Alignment:
The initiative aligns with India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3 – ending epidemics like TB by 2030.
Triage Tool:
- A paper-based checklist evaluates five vital signs:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Oxygen Saturation
- Respiratory Rate
- Presence of Pedal Oedema (swelling in feet/ankles)
- Ability to Stand Unassisted
- Advantages:
-
- Avoids delays associated with lab tests.
- Ensures 98% hospitalisation within 7 days for high-risk cases.
Differentiated TB Care Model:
- Introduced under NTEP in 2021, it personalises care based on:
- Age
- Nutritional Status
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions
- Review Mechanism:
- Progress is periodically reviewed and care plans are revised by Therapeutic Committees, making it dynamic and patient-centred.