NEWS – Rapid molecular test for pulmonary, extrapulmonary, and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (TB) was hailed for its impact in combating TB and potential global healthcare solutions at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva

HIGHLIGHTS

Development and Functionality

• Developer: Goa-based Molbio, a point-of-care molecular diagnostics company.
• Launch Year: 2017.
• Technology: Real-time quantitative micro-PCR system.
• Features:
  • Portable and battery-operated.
  • Can be used in labs, health centres, and in the field.
  • Delivers results in less than an hour.
  • Capable of testing for over 40 diseases.

Global Acknowledgment

• World Health Assembly: The Global Fund praised India’s efforts in TB elimination through mass awareness and digital monitoring.
• Global Fund’s Note: India’s innovative use of Truenat and handheld X-ray devices in challenging environments could be a model for global health systems.

Impact and Usage

• Global Reach: Approximately 10,000 Truenat installations worldwide.
• Improvement in Case Detection: Significant improvements reported by countries using Truenat.
• National TB Elimination Programme:
  • Over 7,000 primary and community health centres in India use Truenat.
  • Approximately 1,500 private labs in India also employ Truenat.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

• TB Statistics in India:
  • Annual deaths: Estimated 480,000 (over 1,400 daily).
  • New cases: Over 10 million globally each year, with India accounting for 27% of the global burden.