Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the 'Ni-kshay Mitra' initiative primarily aims to:

• A Provide free second-line drug regimens to all MDR-TB patients
• B Link TB patients to social protection schemes under Ayushman Bharat
• C Digitally track treatment adherence using AI-based video observed therapy
• D Enable voluntary adoption of TB patients by corporates, NGOs, or individuals for nutritional and socioeconomic support ✓

Explanation

Ni-kshay Mitra, launched in 2022 under NTEP, is a community-support initiative that allows voluntary donors — corporations, elected representatives, NGOs, and individuals — to 'adopt' TB patients and provide nutritional supplements, vocational support, and additional diagnostics. It complements the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (direct benefit transfer of Rs 500/month for nutrition). The digital adherence module (99DOTS, CVDOT) is a separate initiative. Ayushman Bharat linkage is distinct from Ni-kshay Mitra.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.