– New six-month treatment course to replace older 20-month MDR-TB regimen
– Experts highlight potential of BPaLM as a transformative step in TB care
Patiala, May 26:
Taking a major step toward eliminating tuberculosis (TB) from the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today inaugurated a training session on the BPaLM regimen under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at the TB Hospital in Patiala. TB nodal officers from across the state participated in the training session and discussed the potential impact of the BPaLM regimen on TB treatment outcomes.
While addressing the gathering, Dr. Balbir Singh stated that the Health Department is committed to making Punjab TB-free, and the BPaLM regimen will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. He emphasized that the training has been designed to be interactive and solution-oriented, aiming to equip TB officers with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective implementation.
Dr. Balbir Singh explained that previously, patients suffering from multi-drug-resistant TB (commonly referred to as ‘Badi TB’) had to undergo a long and difficult treatment course lasting 18 to 20 months. Due to the prolonged duration, many patients could not complete the treatment, leading to adverse health outcomes. He noted that the newly introduced BPaLM regimen—comprising Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin—reduces the treatment period to just six months, resulting in better outcomes and fewer complications.
He further added that the BPaLM technology will provide direct and immediate benefits to MDR-TB patients in Punjab. Stressing the importance of public involvement, Dr. Balbir Singh called for alignment with national platforms such as the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to encourage people’s participation in the fight against TB. “TB doesn’t just affect the lungs—it affects the entire body,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that no one in Punjab loses their future to a curable disease.”
On the occasion, Medical Superintendent and training coordinator Dr. Vishal Chopra briefed the participants about the training programme, while Director of Family Welfare Dr. Jagminder provided an overview of the state TB programme. State TB Officer Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar gave a detailed presentation on the BPaLM regimen.
During the event, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh also initiated the treatment of two TB patients using the BPaLM regimen. He interacted with patients receiving treatment at the TB hospital.
The training session was also attended by Government Medical College Director Principal Dr. RPS Sibia, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpalinder Singh, Dr. Sarit Sharma, Dr. Vidhu Mittal, Dr. Kranti Garg, Dr. Paritosh Dhawan, Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Dr. Sudesh Kumari, and Dr. Kiranjit Kaur.
