Provincial TB Control Program Overview
Background of TB in Punjab
Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, is home to 122 million people, representing 56% of the country's total population. This densely populated region accounts for a quarter of the entire disease burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). This high prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective TB control measures.
Vision
To create a TB-free Punjab by fostering a resilient healthcare system that integrates advanced diagnostics, effective treatment, and comprehensive community engagement.
Mission
To significantly reduce the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of TB through effective and integrated public health interventions.
Key Achievements
- Extensive Network:
Established 558 Basic Management Units (BMUs) and 558 Microscopy Labs across Punjab in Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary care health facilities.
- Advanced Diagnostics
Operationalized 171 GeneXpert sites for rapid and accurate TB diagnosis, complemented by 8 TB culture labs, including 2 Provincial Reference Labs (PRLs) at Lahore and Multan.
- Comprehensive Care
Implemented Tehsil-based sputum collection & transportation systems and 26 Programmatic Management of Drug-Resistant TB (PMDT) sites.
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Public-Private Partnership
Successfully implemented the Public-Private Mix (PPM) model, engaging 6,200 General Practitioners and 310 private hospitals to enhance accessibility.
- Innovative Approaches
Active case finding through mobile X-Ray vans and the engagement of Lady Health Workers (LHWs) for TB screening.