Country Situation
Pakistan ranks fifth among countries with a high burden of TB, with approximately 608,000 new TB cases diagnosed each year. To address this substantial number of TB patients, the Government of Pakistan offers free TB diagnostic and treatment services across more than 1,500 public and private healthcare facilities, along with engaging over 15,000 general practitioners nationwide in TB control initiatives.
With 1,500 laboratories nationwide providing complimentary diagnostic services for TB, the year 2023 witnessed 900,000 patients undergoing TB testing through these facilities. Advanced testing methodologies equip us with the necessary tools to promptly identify cases, facilitating timely treatment and ultimately saving lives.
Background of TB in Punjab, Pakistan
Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, is home to 122 million people, representing 56% of the country’s total population. This densely populated region bears a significant share of the national TB burden, contributing 60% of the total TB case load in Pakistan. Furthermore, Punjab accounts for a quarter of the entire disease burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). This high prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective TB control measures and robust healthcare interventions to combat the spread of this disease.
Provincial TB Control Program Overview
The Provincial TB Control Program, under the ambit of Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department of Punjab, Pakistan, has been at the forefront of combating tuberculosis (TB) since its establishment in 2004. The Provincial TB Control Program Punjab is committed to the global END TB Strategy, aiming to reduce the TB epidemic and ultimately eliminate the disease as a public health threat.
TB Incidence and Prevalence
Incidence of TB: 258 per 100,000 population.
Prevalence of TB: 340 per 100,000 population.
Vision and Mission
Our vision is to create a TB-free Punjab by fostering a resilient healthcare system that integrates advanced diagnostics, effective treatment, and comprehensive community engagement.
Our mission is to significantly reduce the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of TB through effective and integrated public health interventions.
Key Achievements
Extensive Network: PTP Punjab have established 558 Basic Management Units (BMUs) and 558 Microscopy Labs across Punjab in Primary, Secondary and tertiary care health facilities.
Advanced Diagnostics: Our 171 GeneXpert sites ensure rapid and accurate TB diagnosis, complemented by 8 TB culture labs, including 2 Provincial Reference Labs (PRLs) at Lahore and Multan respectively.
Comprehensive Care: Tehsil based sputum collection & transportation systems and 26 Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant TB (PMDT)/ Drug Resistant TB sites to ensure robust diagnostic and treatment services.
Intersectoral Coordination: Expanding TB/HIV co-infection screening and TB preventive therapy to ensure holistic care for all patients
Public-Private Partnership: PTP Punjab implementing Public-Private Mix (PPM) model includes 6200 General Practitioners and 310 private hospitals, significantly enhancing TB care accessibility and ensuring a broader reach into the community.
Innovative Approaches: Active case finding through mobile X-Ray vans and the engagement of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) for TB screening in Punjab
Contact Us
For more information, collaborations, or inquiries, please contact:
Provincial TB Control Program Punjab
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department
042-99203798
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