5 days ago
Maharashtra Plans Rural Expansion of Faster TB Testing
Maharashtra wants to use more modern tests to find tuberculosis, or TB, faster.
These tests are called NAAT tests.
They look for the genetic material of TB bacteria in a sample, usually sputum.
Some NAAT tests can also show whether the bacteria resist certain medicines.
This helps doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
Rural areas currently use these tests less often than cities.
For example, Mumbai used NAAT for nearly 88% of its TB tests, while rural districts used it for 47%.
Health officials say expanding NAAT could help Maharashtra move closer to eliminating TB.
Maharashtra plans to expand molecular NAAT testing for tuberculosis, especially in rural districts.
From December 2024 to August 4, 2026, the state conducted 39.21 lakh TB tests.
NAAT accounted for 55% of all tests statewide but only 47% of rural tests.
NAAT access was lowest in Solapur, Washim and Beed, while Mumbai reached nearly 88%.
Officials said wider NAAT access could speed diagnosis and identify drug-resistant TB earlier.
- Who
- Maharashtra’s Health Department and officials involved in the state TB control programme.
- What
- The department is preparing to expand Nucleic Acid Amplification Test access for faster and more accurate TB diagnosis.
- Where
- Maharashtra, particularly rural districts including Solapur, Washim and Beed; Mumbai was cited for comparison.
- When
- The plan was reported on August 27, 2026; the cited testing data covers December 2024 through August 4, 2026.
- Why
- To improve early TB detection, identify drug-resistant cases sooner and reduce disparities between rural and urban diagnostic access.
Key facts
- Total TB tests
- 39.21 lakh tests were conducted across Maharashtra under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan between December 2024 and August 4, 2026.
- Statewide NAAT share
- 21.48 lakh tests, or 55%, used NAAT.
- Rural testing
- Of 28 lakh rural tests, 13.15 lakh, or 47%, used NAAT.
- Conventional rural testing
- 14.84 lakh rural tests used conventional microscopy.
- Lowest cited access
- NAAT accounted for 25% of tests in Solapur and 29% each in Washim and Beed.
- Mumbai comparison
- Nearly 88% of TB tests in Mumbai used NAAT.
- Diagnostic purpose
- NAAT detects TB bacteria and, in certain tests, can identify drug resistance.
Quotes
A senior official involved in the TB control programme
A Maharashtra Health Department official involved in the tuberculosis control programme
“Expanding testing alone is not sufficient. Patients must also have access to accurate and modern diagnostic technology.”
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Sources
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