New Delhi, January 12 (IANS). Delhi has further strengthened its campaign against Tuberculosis (TB). The capital’s Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) center has received the first certification from the Central Tuberculosis Division (CTD) of the Government of India. This certification is for Advanced Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) for bedaquiline and pretomanide, which are critical in the treatment of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB).
This certification will further strengthen Delhi’s ability to diagnose and treat multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) patients. Earlier, samples of patients requiring advanced DST were sent outside the state, which caused delays in treatment. Now, with testing being done in Delhi itself, patients will get faster clinical results and timely treatment will be ensured.
IRL Center is one of the most advanced labs in the country. It has BSL-3 lab facility, state-of-the-art technologies like MGIT 960, Line Probe, Whole Genome Sequencing, TrueNet, PathoDetect and Real-Time PCR. These platforms ensure accurate TB testing in line with national and global standards.
In the year 2025 alone, this lab processed more than 30,000 samples. Delhi has consistently shown excellent leadership under the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP). Rajdhani has enrolled 1,065 DR-TB patients on the WHO-recommended BPLM regimen till December 2024. This treatment is more effective, with a higher success rate and lower mortality rate.
Delhi is rapidly expanding the active case finding campaign in high-risk and densely populated areas. Rapid molecular diagnostics enables early detection of TB and drug resistance, timely initiation of treatment, and continuity of care.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said that this certification from CTD ensures fast, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment for DR-TB patients in the capital. Delhi Government is fully committed to contribute to the goal of TB-free India and is continuously strengthening the diagnostic and treatment system.
The new drug DST capacity, expansion of advanced treatments like BPALM and strengthened ACF campaign reflect Delhi’s commitment towards the National TB Free India Mission. This initiative will increase Delhi’s capacity to tackle TB, improve patient outcomes and ensure progress towards India’s TB end goal in the years to come.
–IANS
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