Maharashtra Health Department to Expand Molecular NAAT Testing for TB in Rural Areas
Maharashtra's Health Department is preparing to expand the use of the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) across the state for faster and more accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), placing a specific focus on rural areas where conventional microscopy remains the dominant method.
According to Health Department data, a total of 39.21 lakh TB tests were conducted across Maharashtra under the TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan between December 2024 and August 4, 2026. Out of these, 21.48 lakh tests, or 55 per cent, were performed using NAAT, a modern molecular diagnostic technique that detects TB bacteria by identifying their DNA in sputum samples and can identify drug resistance.
The data shows a significant divide in diagnostic access between urban and rural regions. Of the 28 lakh tests conducted in rural parts of Maharashtra, only 47 per cent (13.15 lakh) used NAAT, while 14.84 lakh tests relied on conventional microscopy. In Solapur, only 25 per cent of TB tests utilized NAAT, while Washim and Beed recorded 29 per cent, leaving over 70 per cent of patients in those districts dependent on conventional microscopy. In contrast, nearly 88 per cent of TB tests in Mumbai were conducted using NAAT.
A senior official involved in the TB control programme explained that NAAT is vital for early diagnosis and for detecting drug-resistant TB, including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The test helps medical professionals determine whether TB bacteria are susceptible or resistant to standard medications, allowing them to initiate targeted treatment earlier.
Health officials noted that expanding testing numbers alone is insufficient without modern diagnostic tools. By increasing molecular testing access in rural districts alongside existing methods, the state aims to speed up diagnosis, reduce transmission risks, and strengthen its broader TB elimination efforts.
