Integrated Healthcare Model for Enhanced Patient Experience
Swapnil R Mishra
Maharashtra has introduced a pioneering new drug regimen for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) for individuals living with HIV (PLHIV), slashing treatment duration from six months to just 28 days. This innovative 1HP regimen heralds a significant breakthrough in TPT, promising improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for those vulnerable to tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis (TB), a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, poses a significant threat to global health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. This bacterial infection primarily targets the lungs but can also strike other vital organs, including the spine, brain and kidneys. However the high risks groups are people living with HIV (PLHIV), diabetes, malnourished and Immunocompromised are more susceptible.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra has introduced a new tuberculosis preventive therapy regimen for people living with HIV (PLHIV), replacing the traditional six-month Isoniazid treatment with a condensed 28-day course of Rifapentine and Isoniazid combination therapy. This innovative 1HP regimen, implemented under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), aims to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the burden of tuberculosis among high-risk populations.
Dr. Aniruddha Kadu, a World Health Organization (WHO) consultant, revealed that PLHIV visiting Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers and Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) are now tested for TB if they exhibit symptoms such as cough, fever, night sweats or weight loss.
“Those testing positive receive TB treatment, while negative results lead to preventive therapy. By implementing this concise treatment regimen, Maharashtra aims to increase treatment completion rates and improve health outcomes for PLHIV,” he said.
Maharashtra has pioneered an integrated healthcare model for People Living with HIV (PLHIV), offering a single-window facility for both HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) treatment. This streamlined approach provides unparalleled convenience, eliminating the need for multiple visits.
All Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers across the state now offer Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) and HIV treatment, while Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) are linked to testing centers for efficient diagnosis.
By consolidating services, Maharashtra enhances patient experiences, improves treatment adherence and increases accessibility, ultimately empowering PLHIV to manage their health effectively.
Dr. Sandeep Sangale, Joint Director of TB and Leprosy in Maharashtra, has ordered all Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers to commence the 1HP drug regimen for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) in People Living with HIV (PLHIV) immediately.
“This decisive move aims to address the alarming reality that TB infection, not HIV itself, is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality among PLHIV. Delayed or inadequate treatment of TB infection has led to a significant number of deaths in this vulnerable population,” he said.
Dr. Sangale emphasized that early testing and treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with TB in PLHIV. All services related to TB and HIV treatment in Maharashtra are offered free of charge, encouraging patients to seek care without financial burden
