Tuesday 22 March 2016

Shri JP Nadda launches new initiatives to combat TB

Shri JP Nadda launches new initiatives to combat TB “The Government of India stands committed to accelerating its efforts to combat tuberculosis in the country”, stated Shri JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare. He was speaking on the eve of ‘World TB Day’, on Monday. He stated that the process of fighting TB is continuous, hence there can be no dilution and do diversion. Our attention needs to steadfast and aggressive, stated the Health Minister. At the event, Shri J P Nadda, launched Bedaquiline – new anti-TB drug for Drug Resistant TB as part of the RNTCP. The drug is a new anti-TB drug for treatment of MDR-TB. Bedaquiline is being introduced at six identified tertiary care centres across India. These sites have advanced facilities for laboratory testing and intensive care for patients. Bedaquiline 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. Shri Nadda also inducted over 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. This test is fully automated and provides results within two hours. It is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool and can be used in remote and rural areas without sophisticated infrastructure or specialized training. The Health Minister also released the TB India 2016 Annual Report and the Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control in India 2016. 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-book launch 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’… (PIB)

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