The 100 Days TB Elimination Campaign, launched nationwide on December 7, has significantly accelerated tuberculosis (TB) detection, treatment, and awareness in Meghalaya. A key innovation aiding this effort is the Made-in-India sputum collection machine, which is playing a crucial role in streamlining the detection process.
Mebankmen Kharkongor, State Coordinator of Meghalaya HLL Lifecare Limited, emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, “We start our camp daily from 10 to 11 am and conclude by 4 pm. During this time, we collect sputum samples using the machine and transport them to the nearest Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) centres for testing.”
For instance, at the Laitkor sub-centre, health workers collect 5 to 10 samples per camp. These samples are securely stored in a sputum carrier or a cold chain pack and transported immediately after the camp, typically within 15-20 minutes to the nearest NAAT centre.
Kharkongor highlighted that the Made-in-India sputum carrier features an 8-hour battery backup, ensuring efficient sample preservation. He added, “The entire process, from sample collection to reaching the NAAT centre, takes around two hours, allowing for faster diagnosis.”
To enhance the campaign’s efficiency, the initiative currently utilizes five sputum collection machines and 10 cold chain carrier bags with ice packs. These advancements are significantly reducing the turnaround time for TB detection, improving access to timely treatment, and strengthening Meghalaya’s fight against tuberculosis.
