Department of Post to now transport of sputum specimen for TB Diagnosis: Pilot launched

New Delhi: 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, here . Shri Sanjeev Kumar, AS and DG(RNTCP & NACO) launched the initiatives presence of Shri Sanjeev Khirwar, Principal Secretary (Health), GNCTD, Sh. Harpreet Singh, Post Master General (M& BD), 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.

The web-based application of RNTCP, Nikshay Version 2.0 with the better user interface and data structures, was also launched during the event. Mobile app for all major functions on Nikshay is available on Google Play for download. The web application is also designed to be mobile friendly, enabling data entry also from the mobile browser.