Key Achievements of the TB Control Program in Punjab
Digital Interventions through EMR/HMIS:
The TB Control Program implemented Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Health Management Information System (HMIS) across clinics. HMIS has already been Roll out to Secondary & Tertiary level public sector health facilities across Punjab while EMR Roll out to Primary level heath facilities This initiative has improved patient tracking, data accuracy, and real-time monitoring of treatment outcomes.
EMR/HMIS IN PUNAJB
Rebranding of TB Clinics:
58 Secondary & Tertiary level public sector health facilities for TB across Punjab has been modernized to provide improved patient services. Rebranding has enhanced the visibility of TB clinics at their respective sites, making them more recognizable and accessible to patients. This increased visibility has contributed to higher footfall and better engagement with the community, ultimately supporting early diagnosis and treatment.
REBRANDING OF TB CLINICS
Upfront Testing through Gene Xpert Machines:
More than 200 Gene Xpert machines were installed across Punjab, enabling rapid diagnosis of TB, including drug-resistant cases. Upfront testing is aimed at diagnosing all presumptive TB cases using Gene Xpert technology instead of traditional microscopy. This approach enhances the accuracy and speed of diagnosis, leading to a higher detection rate of TB cases. This led to a 35% increase in TB case detection, significantly reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Expansion of TB Preventive Therapy:
TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) is being provided to household contacts of bacteriologically confirmed TB patients, all HIV patients, and immunocompromised individuals, including oncology patients, renal failure patients, and rheumatology patients. There is a drastic increase in TPT uptake due to inter-sectoral coordination, involvement of TCH hospitals, the Oncology department, PHOTA, and awareness seminars at medical universities.
PREVENT TO END TB
Improved Diagnostics through Portable X-Ray Machines:
Portable X-ray machines have been provided to 20 facilities across Punjab to offer X-ray services to household contacts of TB patients, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and facilitating early detection of TB cases.
Decentralization of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis:
The decentralization of drug-resistant TB management has led to the establishment of treatment centers in 23 districts, providing essential services to poor patients across Punjab. This approach has brought care closer to the communities in need, improving access to treatment for drug-resistant TB.
MDR-TB SITES IN PUNAJB
Lady Health Workers Intervention:
TB Control Program in collaboration with IRMNCH, initiated door to door screening of population in12selected districts of Punjab through Lady Health Workers. Lady Health Workers, and lady health Supervisors of the selected districts has provided latest training on WHO recommended screening tools for Tuberculosis screening and subsequent referrals of TB presumptive patients to nearby Rural Health Centres.
Active Case Finding through Mobile X-Ray Vans:
Active case finding is being conducted in high-risk districts using 20 mobile X-ray vans deployed across Punjab. These vans are equipped with digital X-ray technology coupled with Artificial Intelligence software, enabling efficient and accurate TB screening in the community.
Active Case Findings
Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
The department expanded its reach by engaging private healthcare providers in the TB notification system. Over 6300 private healthcare facilities are now contributing to case detection, with a 40% increase in reported TB cases through private sector involvement.
Integrated Screening Sites at RHCs:
The creation of integrated screening sites at 307 Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and nearby BHUs led to enhanced TB diagnostics at the grassroots level as well achieve help in catch missed cases at community level.
INTEGRATED SCREENING RHCs
Induction of TB Monitoring Staff in Each District:
The program undertook the strategic induction of District TB Officers (DTOs) across all districts. This initiative was aimed at enhancing the local monitoring and implementation of tuberculosis (TB) control activities. By deploying dedicated DTOs in each district, the program achieved several key improvements:
TB PREVENTIVE THERAPY (TPT)
TB Awareness through SMS Campaigns:
All diagnosed patients are receiving SMS messages containing information about TB signs and symptoms. These campaigns provided crucial information about TB symptoms, preventive measures, and available treatment options. As a result of this widespread outreach, there was a 10% increase in the number of individuals presenting early for TB diagnosis at clinics.
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