Prompt transport of specimen followed by efficacious testing will enable appropriate management of the TB patients and reduced disease transmission
A pilot for utilising services of Department of Post for transport of sputum specimen for TB Diagnosis in Karawal Nagar, Delhi was launched by the Health Ministry recently. Sanjeeva Kumar, AS and DG(RNTCP & NACO) launched the initiatives in presence of Sanjeev Khirwar, Principle Secretary (Health), GNCTD, Harpreet Singh, Post Master General, and Dr KS Sachdeva, DDG TB.
A significant proportion of patients are not tested because the specimen does not reach the laboratory due to non-availability of specimen transport mechanisms. Transport of collected specimen also spares the patient’s from travelling to the reference laboratory. Prompt transport of specimen followed by efficacious testing will enable appropriate management of the TB patients and reduced disease transmission.
The learning from Delhi pilot experience will be useful for adaptation of specimen transport mechanism through the Postal Department across the country.
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