Chandigarh: In a step towards eliminating tuberculosis (TB) from Punjab, health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday flagged off an advanced van equipped with a handheld X-ray machine and a fluorescent microscope from the directorate of health and family welfare here on Tuesday for the early detection of the disease.
Notably, as a part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), in collaboration with the People-to-People Health Foundation, donated two handheld X-ray machines and two fluorescent microscopes to the Punjab health department.
Expressing his gratitude to the IOCL, Dr Balbir Singh said these machines would strengthen diagnostic capabilities in the Sangrur and Malerkotla districts.
Underlining the need for early detection, the minister said in Punjab, the 2020-21 survey revealed a prevalence-notification ratio of 2.8:1, underscoring the critical need for enhanced screening efforts.
The survey also found that over 40% of notified cases were asymptomatic and detected through X-ray findings, emphasising the vital role of this diagnostic tool, he said.
MD, National Health Mission, Ghanshyam Thori; director, health and family welfare, Dr Hitinder Kaur; director, health services (family welfare), Dr Jasminder; director (ESI) Dr Jaspreet Kaur; and state TB officer Dr Rajesh Bhaskar were also present.
