TB Lab Resumes Crucial Testing After Sweeper Shortage

State TB Officer Visits Facility to Address Operational Issues

A critical tuberculosis (TB) testing laboratory has resumed operations after a temporary suspension due to a lack of essential cleaning staff. The Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) experienced a halt in its culture and drug sensitivity testing services.

Official Review and Remedial Actions

State TB Officer **Dr Rajesh Raju** visited the IRL on Sunday to investigate the circumstances that led to the service interruption. The lab had ceased functioning because sweepers were unavailable to maintain the necessary hygiene standards for handling infectious samples.

“The lab requires dedicated sweepers for cleanliness after the testing of infectious samples. I have recommended full-time sweepers to ensure hygiene and uninterrupted operation at the IRL.”

—Dr Rajesh Raju, State TB Officer

To tackle ongoing operational concerns, **Dr Raju** has established a two-member committee. This group includes District TB Officer **Dr Simmi Kapoor** and IRL Microbiologist **Dr Ravi**. Their mandate is to resolve day-to-day issues affecting the lab’s performance.

The shortage stemmed from the withdrawal of a sweeper, who had been deputed from the District Civil Hospital due to staffing needs there. However, the sweeper has since been reassigned to the IRL, allowing the lab to recommence its vital testing activities.

Clearing the Backlog

With a four-day backlog of samples, lab personnel worked through Saturday and Sunday to catch up on the suspended testing. The situation highlighted an ongoing staffing challenge: only one of the two sanctioned sweeper posts at the IRL is filled.

Importance of Consistent Services

The temporary closure underscored the importance of consistent staffing for public health facilities. In similar public health infrastructure challenges, governments are investing in better resource allocation. For instance, India aims to increase its healthcare spending to 2.5% of its GDP by 2025, which could bolster support for essential services (World Health Organization).

Following scrutiny of the issue, which was previously reported, a sweeper was again assigned to the laboratory. The IRL successfully resumed its operations after this staffing adjustment.