Maharashtra to Install 300 Advanced TB Testing Machines Under ₹41.92 Crore Healthcare Project

Maharashtra is taking another major step toward eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by expanding access to advanced diagnostic facilities across the state. The government plans to install 300 modern Truenat Quattro molecular testing machines at healthcare centers, including facilities in rural and remote areas. The ₹41.92 crore initiative aims to improve early TB detection, speed up diagnosis, and make quality testing more accessible to patients.

The project will be implemented over 21 months under the National TB Elimination Programme. With these new machines, Maharashtra aims to increase its annual testing capacity to approximately 9.36 lakh tests, helping identify an estimated 1.12 lakh TB cases and 4,680 cases of Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis every year.

Maharashtra Government Expands Access to Advanced TB Diagnosis

The new Truenat Quattro machines will be installed at primary health centers, rural hospitals, and district-level healthcare institutions across Maharashtra. This expansion is expected to strengthen the state's healthcare network and provide people in underserved locations with access to modern diagnostic technology.

The machines use WHO-recommended molecular diagnostic technology, which supports faster and more accurate TB detection. By bringing advanced testing facilities closer to communities, the government aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for diagnosis.

₹41.92 Crore Project to Be Completed in 21 Months

The project has an estimated investment of ₹41.92 crore and will be completed over 21 months. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between BPCL Foundation, HITES (HLL Infra Tech Services Ltd.), and the Joint Director of Health Services (TB and Leprosy) to support its implementation.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken the initiative to expand access to modern TB diagnostic services and strengthen the state's efforts toward tuberculosis elimination.

Truenat Quattro Machines Can Detect TB Within an Hour

One of the major benefits of the Truenat Quattro technology is its ability to detect tuberculosis, including Rifampicin-resistant TB, within approximately one hour.

The machines are portable and battery-operated, making them suitable for healthcare facilities with limited infrastructure and areas where access to advanced medical equipment remains a challenge.

Healthcare workers will also receive specialized training to operate the machines and manage the testing process. In addition, the project will be digitally monitored through the government's Nikshay platform to support better tracking and reporting.

9.36 Lakh TB Tests Expected Every Year Across Maharashtra

Once fully operational, the new diagnostic network is expected to deliver significant improvements in TB screening and detection across Maharashtra.

The project has set the following annual targets:

• 9.36 lakh tests: Expected annual testing capacity across the state.
• 1.12 lakh TB cases: Estimated number of patients who could be identified every year.
• 4,680 drug-resistant cases: Expected annual detection of Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis.
• 300 advanced machines: Planned installation across healthcare facilities.

These facilities will help healthcare teams identify infections earlier, reduce delays in treatment, and improve access to testing in rural and underserved communities.

Maharashtra Strengthens Its Mission to Eliminate Tuberculosis

The installation of 300 advanced diagnostic machines is expected to strengthen Maharashtra's fight against tuberculosis. Faster testing, improved disease monitoring, and wider access to modern healthcare facilities can help patients receive timely medical attention.

By expanding diagnostic services beyond major cities, the state government aims to ensure that people in remote locations also benefit from improved healthcare technology. The initiative is an important step toward early detection, better treatment access, and Maharashtra's broader goal of becoming TB-free.