Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu has proposed mandatory tuberculosis screening for all hospital patients, with the consent of the patient or their family. The initiative aims to address gaps in Delhi's TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan programme, which seeks to eliminate tuberculosis by September 30. The proposal follows a review of the city's TB programme, with officials instructed to intensify screening in high-risk wards and congregate settings.

The TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) coverage among eligible household contacts stands at 55 per cent, below the target of 80 per cent, while Differentiated TB Care is at 74 per cent, against the target of 90 per cent. Sandhu has directed officials to meet these targets within the deadline and address operational gaps. The proposal also includes steps to reduce stigma around TB through increased media outreach and the deployment of AI-enabled handheld X-ray machines for screening.

A shortage of radiographers is cited as a barrier to the full deployment of the AI-enabled X-ray machines. The LG has instructed officials to address this manpower shortage to ensure the equipment can be used effectively. Additionally, Sandhu has directed the clearance of pending Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments to eligible beneficiaries, which has been a point of concern in the TB programme.

The proposal has been framed as a necessary step to meet the September 30 deadline for TB elimination, with officials urged to step up screening efforts and close the gap in preventive treatment and differentiated care. The initiative reflects the LG's second review of Delhi's TB programme, following an initial assessment on June 23.

The proposal raises questions about the feasibility of mandatory TB screening for all patients, particularly in light of the existing challenges in staffing and equipment. While the LG's directive is aimed at improving TB detection and treatment, the success of the initiative will depend on the ability of officials to address the identified operational gaps. The lack of a clear response from critics or affected groups means the potential impact of the proposal remains uncertain.

What remains unknown is the extent to which the proposed screening will be implemented across Delhi's hospitals and the specific measures that will be taken to ensure patient consent and privacy. The effectiveness of the AI-enabled X-ray machines in improving TB detection is also unclear, as the evidence does not provide data on their performance in the local context. The timeline for addressing the radiographer shortage and deploying the equipment is not specified, leaving the practicality of the proposal in question.