Kiran Malekar (32), currently undergoing treatment for tuberculosis (TB) at the First Referral Unit in Vashi or the NMMC hospital, was in for a surprise when he received a bag full of protein-rich food items.

Jobless with no sustainable source of family income, Malekar, a resident of Turbhegaon, has been leading a hardscrabble existence. Contracting TB did not make matters easier. In short, life was wearisome and dreary, and the society was indifferent.

Hardly a surprise then that Malekar was surprised and elated when he received the protein-rich food from the Upasana collective. “Usually people donate to us ration but this is the first time we got such nutritious food,” Malekar said.

Contrary to Malekar’s perception, the Good Samaritan act by Upasana women’s group, a low-profile citizens group committed to giving it back to society, was not a random act of kindness. It is aligned to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s (MoHFW) ambitious plan to eradicate TB.

The incidence rate in India had fallen from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 199 per lakh population in 2022 and mortality rate had declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched an ambitious plan to eradicate TB. The ministry has also launched the Ni-kshay Mitra (donor) programme to provide support by enlisting the support of co-operative societies, corporates, etc.

“Government support them with free medicines but additional supplement in the form of protein food is must for them to get fully cured”, according to Dr Pratibha Pawar, head, Anti-Retroviral Therapy in NMMC Hospital. About 11 patients under treatment for TB received the protein packets.

TB patients are required to consume protein-rich food as it is crucial for the growth, repair and maintenance of tissues in the body and aid recovery. Consuming protein-rich foods helps prevent muscle loss, promotes healing and strengthens the immune system.

The kit distributed by Upasana consisted of a kg each of cornflakes, oats, and Amul milk powder, a packet of soya chunks , and medicated protein powder.

“About 20 housewives from Vashi and Kopar Khairane formed Upasana in 2016 to support the economically backward. We do not accept any donation or support, and raise funds through the contribution of each member,” Shriparna Barua, who heads the group, said.