Punjab Health Minister inaugurates tuberculosis treatment training programme

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 Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid and Moxifloxacin, BPaLM regimen under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at the TB Hospital.

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, Singh said the Health Department was 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.

The ministe rexplained 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.”