What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to quantify the financial burden of drug-sensitive tuberculosis in India through cost analysis.

March 18, 2026Open Access

Financial Burden of Drug-sensitive Tuberculosis in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Key Points

This research aims to quantify the financial burden of drug-sensitive tuberculosis in India through cost analysis.
Review and meta-analysis of studies from multiple databases including PubMed and Scopus.
Use of random-effects model to estimate mean costs associated with TB care.
Analysis of costs: direct medical, direct non-medical, indirect medical, diagnostic, and treatment.
Overall mean cost per TB patient estimated at ₹18,961.
Direct medical costs: ₹7305; direct non-medical costs: ₹2346; indirect medical costs: ₹10,602; diagnostic costs: ₹10,028; treatment costs: ₹12,999.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant public health and economic burden in India, with out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) often leading to financial distress. This study reviews and meta-analyses costs associated with drug-sensitive TB care in India. Methods: Relevant studies from PubMed, Scopus, OpenAlex, CrossRef and Semantic Scholar were analysed. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated mean costs, including direct medical, direct non-medical, indirect medical, diagnostic and treatment expenses. Results: Analysing 18 studies, the overall mean cost per TB patient was ₹18,961 (95% confidence interval: ₹12,093–₹25,829), with direct medical costs at ₹7305, direct non-medical costs at ₹2346, indirect medical costs at ₹10,602, diagnostic costs at ₹10,028 and treatment costs at ₹12,999. Conclusion: TB care imposes a heavy financial burden on Indian households. Reducing OOPE through targeted interventions, strengthened social protection and expanded free services is essential to alleviate this hardship.

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