Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET for Tuberculosis Control

 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:
    1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
    2. Oxygen Saturation
    3. Respiratory Rate
    4. Presence of Pedal Oedema (swelling in feet/ankles)
    5. 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.
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