NEW DELHI, Mar 21: The Union Government today asserted that it stands committed to accelerating efforts to combat tuberculosis in the country, and that there could be no dilution or diversion in this.
Addressing the eve of ‘World TB Day’ here, Union Health Minister J P Nadda stated that the process of fighting TB needs to be continuous. ‘’Our attention needs to be steadfast and aggressive,’’ the Minister said, adding that resources were not a constraint and the Government would continue to work with all stakeholders, in devising short term and long term approaches.
Mr Nadda also emphasised the need for compassion in the treatment of TB patients at the launch of Bedaquiline ? new anti-TB drug for drug resistant TB as part of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).
The new anti-TB drug for treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) is a diarylquinoline that specifically targets Mycobacterial ATP synthase, an enzyme essential for supply of energy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and most other mycobacteria. The drug is indicated for use in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. Bedaquiline is being introduced at six identified tertiary care centres across India having advanced facilities for laboratory testing and intensive care for patients. It will be given to multi-drug resistant TB patients with resistance to either all fluoroquinolone and/or all second line injectables and extensive drug resistant TB. He also inducted more than 500 Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machines in the programme. The CBNAAT is a revolutionary rapid molecular test which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin drug resistance, simultaneously. The test is fully automated and provides results within two hours. (PTI)
It is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool and can be used in remote and rural areas without sophisticated infrastructure or specialized training.
Until 2015, 121 CBNAAT sites were functional in the country providing decentralised testing for detection of DR TB. With the availability of these additional 500 machines, access to rapid quality assured diagnosis of DR TB and TB will be ensured in all the districts of India either directly or through a linkage by specimen transport mechanism. Additionally, the programme will be able to use this highly sensitive state-of-art technology for diagnosis of TB among key populations like children, PLHIV and extra pulmonary TB patients.
Mr Nadda also released the TB India 2016 annual report and the Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control in India 2016, a comprehensive set of guidelines for management of all forms of TB, including drug resistant TB and strategies for intensified case finding. (PTI)
A handbook for ‘Healthcare Worker surveillance for TB in India’ and Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Adverse reactions associated with anti-TB drugs were the other e-books launched at the event. A new radio campaign with TB ambassador Amitabh Bachchan and social media campaign, was also launched at the event.
The Minister also launched the ‘Third line ART programme for People Living with HIV’, the life-saving ART costs nearly Rs 1.18 lakh per patient per year. Providing these free would not only safe lives but improve socioeconomic conditions of the patients. This initiative brings India’s ART programme on a par with programmes in the developed countries.
While Health Secretary B P Sharma said 300 CBNAAT machines have already been installed and 200 more would be installed soon, Dr Saumya Swaminathan, Secretary (DHR) and DG (ICMR), highlighted the need for new and innovative tools for conducting tests and investment in research, an official release said here. (UNI)
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