Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in the South Asian region. In 2017, the region recorded an estimate of 101,198 Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) TB cases. The SAARC member countries are targeting to eliminate TB from the region by 2027. In an effort towards this, a three -day training on GeneXpert Machine operation and maintenance is underway in Thimphu.
Unlike microscopic testing, the GeneXpert machine provides a faster detection that helps for early treatment for TB patients.
The training will help laboratory technicians with the knowledge and skills required while operating the GeneXpert machine. Bhutan has six GeneXpert machines, one each at the national referral hospital, two regional referral hospitals and three district hospitals.
“With the old technologies, it used to take about three to three and a half months, which is a very long period. And during that time, patients used to suffer and so many patients used to die during that period waiting for treatment to start. So, this test can give the results from sample collection to the testing and reporting in two hours thereby reducing the waiting period,” Dr Vithal Prasad Myneedu, the Microbiologist and Professor, Head of National Institute of TB and Respiratory Diseases in New Delhi, said.
Participants from SARRC member countries are attending the training. The training is also aimed at providing the participants about the global updates on recommended technologies to strengthen case finding, to set-up and install GeneXpert machine.
The health ministry has also plan of installing two more machines in Trashigang and Trongsa district hospitals.
“This particular training is highly relevant and timely for all SAARC countries. For Bhutan, the training would enhance our capacity for early diagnosis, reduce the risk of poor treatment outcomes and TB transmission in the community,” Dr Karma Lhazeen, the Director of Department of Public Health, said.
The health ministry and the SAARC TB and HIV/AIDS Centre based in Kathmandu is organising the training.
