India-Made TB Diagnostics Tech Wins Acclaim at World Health Assembly
- June 14, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
India-Made TB Diagnostics Tech Wins Acclaim at World Health Assembly
Sub: Science and tech
Sec: Health
Overview:
- Technology: The Truenat platform, a rapid molecular test for diagnosing pulmonary, extrapulmonary, and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (TB).
- Developer: Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics.
- Recognition: Acclaimed at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Key Points:
About Truenat:
- Launch Year: 2017.
- Technology: Real-time quantitative micro-PCR system.
- Features: Portable, battery-operated machine.
- Deployment: Suitable for labs, health centers, and field use.
- Efficiency: Delivers results in less than an hour.
- Versatility: Can test for over 40 diseases.
Global Recognition:
- Event: 77th World Health Assembly.
- Organization: The Global Fund (in collaboration with WHO).
- Appreciation: India’s commitment to TB elimination and use of digital technologies like Truenat.
- Potential: Truenat machines and handheld X-ray devices as global models.
- Installations: Around 10,000 installations worldwide.
- Reports: Significant improvements in TB case detection in countries using Truenat.
National TB Elimination Programme:
- Implementation: Over 7,000 primary and community health centers in India.
- Private Sector: Used in roughly 1,500 private labs across the country.
Global TB Statistics:
- Annual Cases: Over 10 million new TB cases globally each year.
- India’s Burden: Accounts for 27% of the global TB burden.
- Mortality: TB kills an estimated 480,000 Indians annually, which translates to over 1,400 deaths per day.
Conclusion: The Truenat platform, developed by Molbio, is a groundbreaking tool in the fight against TB, offering rapid, reliable, and portable diagnostic capabilities. Its recognition at the World Health Assembly underscores its potential to significantly impact global health, particularly in TB-endemic regions.
Various Government Schemes –
- Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
Overview
Launched by the Indian government, the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating TB in India by 2025. This ambitious goal is five years ahead of the global target set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Objectives
- Universal Access to TB Care: Ensuring that every TB patient has access to the best possible diagnostic and treatment services.
- Community Engagement: Mobilizing community participation and awareness to support TB control and eradication efforts.
- Private Sector Engagement: Collaborating with private healthcare providers to ensure standardized TB care and reporting.
- Innovative Solutions: Implementing new technologies and approaches for TB diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.
- National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025)
Overview
The NSP for Tuberculosis Elimination outlines India’s strategy to eliminate TB by 2025, focusing on a multi-pronged approach to tackle the disease at all levels.
Key Components
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Enhancing early diagnosis through improved laboratory capacity and rapid molecular tests like Truenat.
- Patient Support Systems: Strengthening patient support systems to ensure adherence to treatment regimens.
- Health System Strengthening: Improving the overall capacity of the healthcare system to manage TB cases efficiently.
- Research and Innovation: Promoting research to find new diagnostic tools, drugs, and vaccines.
- TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign
Overview
The “TB Harega Desh Jeetega” (TB Will Lose, the Nation Will Win) campaign is a public awareness and mobilization campaign aimed at creating a mass movement to eliminate TB in India.
Objectives
- Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about TB symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of completing treatment.
- Community Participation: Encouraging community leaders, influencers, and the general public to participate in TB eradication efforts.
- Behavioral Change: Promoting behavioral changes to reduce stigma associated with TB and encourage people to seek timely medical help.
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana
Overview
Nikshay Poshan Yojana is a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme introduced by the Indian government to provide nutritional support to TB patients.
The scheme ensures that patients receive financial assistance to meet their nutritional needs during treatment.
Features
- Nutritional Support: Monthly financial support of ₹500 (around $6.80) is provided to TB patients for the duration of their treatment to help them purchase nutritious food.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: The funds are transferred directly to the bank accounts of the patients to ensure timely and efficient delivery.
- Coverage: The scheme covers all TB patients registered under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP).
Objectives
- Improving Treatment Outcomes: Ensuring that patients have access to adequate nutrition, which is crucial for effective TB treatment and recovery.
- Reducing Treatment Default Rates: Encouraging patients to complete their treatment by alleviating the financial burden associated with TB.