ICMR's Updated National List of Essential Diagnostics
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has updated its National List of Essential Diagnostics to make clinical testing more accessible for various diseases, including sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, Hepatitis B, and syphilis. This aims to enhance early disease detection and treatment across India.
Tuberculosis (TB) Control Measures
- The update emphasizes early TB detection at the lower levels of the healthcare system.
- Suggested actions include:
- Collecting samples at the sub health centre (SHC) level for molecular TB testing to identify asymptomatic individuals.
- Conducting TB skin tests in community healthcare centres to detect the pathogen in non-active infection cases.
- WHO Data on TB in India:
- Since 2015, there has been a 17% drop in reported cases and a 20% decrease in deaths.
- Over 85% of detected infections have received treatment.
- India accounts for 27% of global TB cases, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
- Subclinical TB Challenge:
- 39% of TB cases in India are subclinical, presenting a risk of undetected spread.
- Early intervention is crucial to prevent transmission.
Healthcare Policy and Expansion
- The government's policy focuses on expanding primary healthcare to bring services closer to people through over 1.7 lakh centres nationwide.
- The updated diagnostics list equips SHCs and PHCs to identify and treat TB early.
- Efforts are underway to reduce treatment costs and improve nutrition access.
