A pilot for utilising services of Department of Post for transport of sputum specimen for TB Diagnosis in Karawal NagarDelhi was launched by the Health Ministry, here today.ShriSanjeeva Kumar, AS and DG(RNTCP & NACO) launched the initiativesin presence ofShriSanjeevKhirwar, Principle 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 becausethe specimen does not reach the laboratory due to non-availability ofspecimen transportmechanisms.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 throughthe Postal Department across the country.
The web-based application of RNTCP, Nikshay Version 2.0 with 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.