TB examination rate up in state

SHILLONG, March 19: The presumptive tuberculosis or TB examination rate in Meghalaya has increased from 646 per lakh in 2021 to 1,433 per lakh in 2023, while he state has reported 4,974 cases of TB in 2022, and 4,812 cases in the year 2023,.
This was disclosed by the State Tuberculosis Officer, J Kharwanlang, during the World TB Day observance at RP Chest Hospital Compound, Shillong, on Tuesday.
She added, “Despite the double increase in presumptive TB examination rate and the use of high-quality diagnostic tests, the notification rate showed a decline from 130 per lakh in 2022 to 124 per lakh in 2023, reflecting an overall decrease in TB incidence in the state.”
Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare department, Ram Kumar, who is also the Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), inaugurated the C&DST Lab on the occasion. The facility will provide necessary support in the diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis, aligning with the goals of a TB-free India by 2025.
As part of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), numerous regional laboratories have been established across states. These labs offer Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing (C&DST) facilities for presumptive TB and presumptive DRTB (drug-resistant TB) patients.
Kumar stated that in the past four years, the state has added many laboratories, along with NAT testing and genetic testing at the block level. “We need to extend this even further down to the PHC level because earlier identification leads to earlier and more accurate treatment, upon which the success rate depends. Our treatment success rate is still a concern, which needs to exceed 90%, currently standing at 82-83%,” he said.
He further expressed concern about extra pulmonary TB, indicating TB occurring outside the lungs, emphasising the need for identification and preparedness.
The event also witnessed the awards being given out to several districts in how they have fared in the TB elimination programme.
East Garo Hills bagged three awards in their efforts for achieving highest presumptive TB examination rate, highest HIV testing among TB patients, and highest in the disbursement of Nikshay Poshan Yojana.
Similarly, East Khasi Hills bagged the award for highest Universal Drug Susceptibility Test, while Ri-Bhoi was awarded for achieving the highest TB notification.
West Garo Hills was awarded for achieving the highest initiation of tuberculosis preventive treatment among all contacts of microbiologically confirmed TB cases and highest in the treatment success rate.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr FV Kharshiing, DHS MCH&FW cum Joint MD, NHM, Meghalaya; Dr J Kharwanlang, State Tuberculosis Officer; and Dr B Shanpru, District TB Officer, East Khasi Hills, along with the staff of RP Chest Hospital, among others.