World TB Day: Why access to accurate diagnostic services continues to be a problem in India

Tejal, a young and ambitious girl from a poor informal settlement in Vadodara, was hopeful about building a career – until TB entered her life. From one doctor to another and through innumerable tests, it took her over a year to be diagnosed with drug-resistant TB. By the time she held the final report in her hands, she had seen countless doctors and was close to Rs 50,000 in debt.

“Why was I not diagnosed in one go?” she asked. “Why is it so hard to diagnose TB?”

Diagnosis is the first and most critical step in addressing and treating TB. An accurate diagnosis is not only the basis for treating an individual – it is also essential for investigating others in their family and immediate environment. While science has made remarkable strides in TB diagnosis and treatment, for many, the journey from the first symptom to a confirmed diagnosis remains fraught with challenges.

Access to accurate diagnostic services continues to be a major hurdle in India. Many health centres still rely on outdated methods like sputum smear microscopy, which are less effective – especially for people with HIV or children. While modern molecular diagnostics exist, they are often too expensive or unavailable where they’re needed...

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