Himalayan Hospital, SRHU launches BPaLM Regimen for DR-TB Treatment

Himalayan Hospital, SRHU launches BPaLM Regimen for DR-TB Treatment
In a landmark step towards combating drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), Himalayan Hospital, Jollygrant, inaugurated the rollout of the Government of India’s latest innovation under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) — the BPaLM regimen — in a significant event graced by the esteemed presence of Lieutenant General Dr. Daljit Singh. The program was hosted by Dr. Sushant Khanduri, Nodal TB Officer, along with key contributions from Dr. Varuna Jethani and Dr. Manoj Kumar. The BPaLM regimen — an all-oral, six-month treatment comprising Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin — represents a transformative shift in DR-TB management. Unlike traditional therapies which spanned 18 to 20 months with frequent hospital visits and high pill burdens, this new regimen offers a shorter, more tolerable, and highly effective alternative. With global studies showcasing over 90% treatment success rates and significantly reduced mortality and drug-related side effects, BPaLM is poised to redefine the standard of care for DR-TB patients in India. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under its commitment to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, approved the implementation of this regimen nationwide following rigorous evaluation and endorsement by the Central TB Division and Health Technology Assessment authorities. The Government of India has also initiated large-scale training programs across six national training centres to ensure healthcare professionals are fully equipped for this clinical transition. At Himalayan Hospital, the launch of BPaLM not only marks a milestone in advanced TB care but also strengthens the institution’s role as a pivotal centre in India’s fight against tuberculosis. The introduction of the BPaLM regimen at Himalayan Hospital is a testament to the collaborative synergy between national health policy and institutional execution. It reflects the Government of India’s unwavering resolve in addressing one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges with urgency, innovation, and compassion. As DR-TB continues to pose a significant burden, especially in high-incidence states like Uttarakhand, such initiatives are a beacon of hope — offering not only a cure but a path toward total TB elimination. The Himalayan Hospital administration reaffirmed its commitment to supporting patients through this new regimen with comprehensive counselling, nutritional aid, and follow-up care, in alignment with the national objective of a TB-free India.