The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) was launched to support TB patients through 'Ni-kshay Mitras'. Which of the following best describes the role of a Ni-kshay Mitra?

• A A government ASHA worker providing DOTS supervision
• B A volunteer (individual, corporate, or NGO) providing nutritional and other support to TB patients ✓
• C A dedicated physician managing drug-resistant TB cases
• D A community health officer conducting TB contact tracing

Explanation

PMTBMBA (launched September 2022) created the Ni-kshay Mitra system — a patient adoption framework inviting individuals, corporates, elected representatives, and NGOs to voluntarily support TB patients with nutritional baskets, vocational support, and additional diagnostics beyond what the government provides. This is distinct from ASHA workers (salaried government functionaries under NHM) and differs from the clinical roles of DOTS providers or DR-TB physicians. The programme complements Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (cash transfer scheme) by adding community-level nutritional support.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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