Overall, the performance of PathoDetectTM was comparable to other molecular assays. Deployment of this test in the 100-day program, along with the already available TruNat test, has enhanced the capacity of molecular diagnosis of TB and early detection of drug resistance, she said.Moreover, the Quantiplus MTB FAST Detection Kit developed by Huwel Lifesciences is the first in the world indigenous open system RT-PCR kits developed in India and validated by ICMR, Patel said.“In comparison to the gold standard liquid culture, the sensitivity of the kit is 86 % and the specificity is 96 %. These kits are likely to be low-cost and have the potential to expand the outreach of TB molecular testing, including more than 3300 RTPCR machines used during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added. “Health Technology Assessment India under the Department of Health Research has assessed TB health Technologies like Truenat for TB diagnosis, BPAL/BPALM regime for MDR TB, Techo plus for tracking and managing TB health services, AI-enabled chest X-ray diagnosis and TMEAD an adherence monitoring device for TB treatment,” she further added.“Innovations are crucial for TB elimination, offering faster and more accurate diagnostics, improved treatment regimens, and better prevention strategies. Use of digital health, artificial intelligence, data collection and health promotion will also play a critical role in reaching the “missing millions” of people with TB who go undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, each year,” she said.The India Innovation Summit reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating TB by 2025, leveraging scientific advancements and community-driven efforts to accelerate progress toward this ambitious goal, according to a statement by the Union Health Ministry.
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