Imphal: Manipur health and family welfare minister L. Jayantakumar Singh on Saturday announced five schemes for the benefit of tuberculosis patients in the state on World Tuberculosis Day.

Speaking at the programme held at Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall at Lamphelpat here, the minister said besides nutritional support of Rs 500 per month for TB patients, Rs 1,000 will be distributed to all first informers of new cases.

A new drug, Bedaquilline, to be used in multi-drug resistant TB cases, will be available for free for all eligible patients. A normal course of Bedaquilline costs Rs 22 lakh.

Earlier, the duration of MDR-TB treatment was 24 to 27 months. But the duration will come down to nine to 12 months with this new regimen, Jayantakumar said.

The minister also launched a mobile CBNAAT (cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test) van, which will travel to far-flung and hilly areas where healthcare facilities are not available.

The schemes are shorter MDR-TB regimen, new incentives, introduction of Bedaquilline course, tablets for online reporting and drug management of TB and mobile CBNAAT van.

The minister appealed to the public to cooperate with the state government to create a TB-free society.

The event was organised by Revised National TB Control Programme, National Health Mission, district TB centre, Imphal East and West, and the IMA.

A rally was also organised on the occasion.

Director, health services, Dr K. Rajo Singh, additional director Dr H. Ranjit Singh and former state IMA president Dr Kh. Sulochana Devi, among others, were present.