Baseline Assessments of Tb Detection Centres in Selected Public and Private Laboratories in India and Need for Introducing Quality Management Systems

Quality is sine qua non of healthcare services. Laboratory driven Management Systems (QMS) are key to provide quality diagnosis. Missed diagnosis due laboratory lacunae stymies Tuberculosis (TB) control measures, amplifies morbidity, mortality and, disease transmission. Hence, a pilot was conceptualized with Central TB Division, National Elimination Program (NTEP), Ministry Health and Family Welfare, Government India Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR) perform baseline assessments for QMS at four laboratories from public private centers Delhi Odisha. Data collected using standardized checklist. Scores were compiled compliance standards attributes assessed across seven thematic domains. The assessment helped identify current status in terms performance, processes followed areas requiring improvement. found lacking human resources backup staff that disrupted service delivery. Other gaps included aspects documents, records, process controls smear microscopy, optimum resource utilization safety. Adage missed errors, failure document, collect test repeat samples Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT), lack patient centric signages, equipment handling maintenance. Baseline mainly focused attention on greatest need ameliorate the health system challenges develop roadmaps accelerate By adapting local context, can be enacted through shared vision care positively impact case finding optimize NAAT thereby setting stage nationwide adoption scaleup.