VISAKHAPATNAM: IN a move to make Tuberculosis diagnosis affordable for the poor, GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, GITAM University, has launched Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) and Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) on Thursday.
District Medical and Health officer J Sarojini appreciated GITAM for establishing the testing facility for the underprivileged. She said that TB in children and adults could be diagnosed within two hours with the Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) available at the facility .
GITAM Hospital principal SP Rao said: “The new diagnosis facility is a boon for the rural poor mainly residing at the coastal areas. The the diagnosis will be confirmed on the same day and treatment will also be started immediately.” The programme organised by the Medical Education Unit of GIMSR held a workshop on the new technology for its doctors.