MSF hands over drug resistant tuberculosis project in Mumbai after 18 years

Since its inception in 2006, MSF’s independent clinic in Mumbai played a critical role in treating the most complex cases of DR-TB, providing care that was not available under the national protocols. The clinic enrolled a total of 828 patients, including 201 children and adolescents, many of whom were referred after failing previous DR-TB treatment regimens. MSF’s pioneering approach included the use of salvage regimens with newer drugs such as bedaquiline and delamanid, especially for younger patients who had few alternatives due to the toxicity, prolonged treatment durations, and poor tolerability of older drug regimens. These older treatments often led to severe side effects and lower success rates. The clinic has been at the forefront of advancing DR-TB treatment, providing not only medical care but also psychosocial support and palliative care services.

“Our project in Mumbai has demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovation in TB treatment,” explains Imtiaz Wadud, the Head of Operations for MSF in India. “By regularly introducing evidence-based advancements in TB care, this project has always strengthened DR-TB care while improving patient outcomes.” 

The knowledge and evidence generated through the project in Mumbai have had a global impact as well. MSF’s data contributed to the World Health Organization’s 2020 guidelines on DR-TB treatment, allowing the use of new drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid together. These drugs, once available only through MSF, are now part of India’s national treatment program, which means patients will continue to have access to lifesaving medication even after our clinic closes. 

“While we are concluding our direct involvement in this project, we leave behind a strengthened health system equipped to carry forward the innovations we helped introduce,” says Dr Satish Devkota, Medical Coordinator for MSF. “The patients are now part of a system that will continue to evolve and provide them with the care they need.”