Aadhar is now compulsory document for tuberculosis patients. Union health ministry has made this decision. With the help of Aadhar, patients can avail treatment under the government’s Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). To receive the benefit under the scheme patients have to furnish a proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication. The TB patients will also not get cash benefits till they produce their Aadhaar Card.
RNTCP under the National Health Mission for the promotion of universal access to TB care provides for a conditional cash assistance. The beneficiaries include TB patients, private healthcare providers, and treatment supporters.
The news will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette in all the states and Union Territories except Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir.
India has 2.8 million cases of TB according to the data released in 2015. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) claims that in India tuberculosis is larger than the estimated data. While WHO asserted that India is among those six countries which account for 60% of the 10.4 million new TB cases in the year 2015.
Besides the ministry has guided the patients to enroll themselves for their Aadhar Card by August 31. Until the patient gets the Aadhaar number, they can avail the profit by showing Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, or other government documents such as voter identity card, PAN card, etc.