Delhi to Use TB Testing Platforms for Hepatitis B and C Diagnosis
Delhi Government integrates NTEP Truenat platforms to expand Hepatitis B and C viral load testing and improve diagnostic access.
In a strategic move to bolster public health infrastructure, the Delhi Government has announced a plan to utilize molecular testing platforms originally established under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) to diagnose Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This integration is designed to expand the reach of viral load testing, maximize the utility of existing medical resources, and foster better coordination between various national health initiatives.
Leveraging Truenat Technology
The core of this initiative involves the use of Truenat molecular testing platforms. Currently, Delhi possesses 85 of these platforms under the NTEP framework. To streamline the new diagnostic process, the government intends to earmark one platform per district specifically for Hepatitis B and C viral load testing, pending approval from the State Programme Officer of the NTEP.
By repurposing these high-tech platforms, the city aims to fill critical gaps in testing and align its efforts with the goals of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Focus on Vulnerable Groups and Early Detection
The government's vision extends beyond just molecular testing. The broader screening strategy includes the deployment of portable X-ray facilities. A significant emphasis is being placed on women, particularly those who are pregnant, to ensure that health conditions are identified early and managed with timely medical intervention.
"By integrating the resources available under different national health programmes, we can expand the effective use of our existing infrastructure and strengthen access to essential diagnostic services," stated Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh.
The Health Minister further emphasized that the priority is to ensure that testing facilities are used efficiently to provide timely diagnosis, especially for those most vulnerable in society.
Resource Procurement and Operational Strategy
To ensure the sustainability of this project, the Delhi Government has already submitted a request for 2,500 Truenat chips each for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C for the 2026–27 financial year. The NVHCP Central Unit has indicated that these chips will be procured centrally by the Central Government to support the program's targets.
Optimizing Workforce and Infrastructure
To make this transition seamless, the government has outlined several operational steps:
- Training and Incentives: Technicians will be trained and provided with incentives to conduct these specific hepatitis tests.
- Extended Hours: To avoid disrupting tuberculosis testing, the molecular machines may be utilized after regular working hours or on holidays, depending on the workload.
- District-Level Coordination: The rollout will proceed based on operational planning and necessary concurrences.
Through this integrated approach, the Delhi Government seeks to transform its healthcare delivery by ensuring that no piece of advanced equipment goes underutilized, ultimately leading to faster identification and management of Hepatitis cases across the capital.