Measures for Tackling Drug Resistant TB
Population based Drug Resistance Survey conducted in Maharashtra State in 2008 showed Low MDR-TB Prevalence of 2.7% amongst New TB Cases. However, due to strengthening of sophisticated diagnostics by the programme, the number of MDR-TB cases detected and treated has increased.
In Maharashtra till now 5962 MDR-TB cases have been put on treatment.
Under the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), inter alia, enhancing access to early diagnosis and treatment of MDR-TB by scaling up of sophisticated diagnostics including Rapid Molecular test is being done.
Strengthening TB control in major cities with intensified case finding efforts & strengthening the surveillance with online Case Based Web Based ICT Application for TB (Nikshay) has been taken up.
Enhancing engagement of large unregulated private sector and strengthening implementation of recent initiative like TB notification, commercial Serology based diagnostic test ban, and strengthening Infection control practices at health care facilities and communities is part of the programme.
This information was given by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Shri Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
BN/HB/AS