BPaL regimen technique will help make Punjab TB-free: Dr. Balbir Singh
Says, treatment for TB, which earlier lasted two years, can now be completed in six months
Experts discuss strategies for TB elimination during training program
Patiala,May 26,2025 FACT RECORDER
Taking a significant step towards the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today inaugurated the BPaL Regimen Training Session under the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) at the TB Hospital, Patiala. TB nodal officers from across the state participated in the training and discussed the improvements expected from the BPaL regimen in TB treatment.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Balbir Singh stated that the Health Department’s goal is to make Punjab TB-free, and the BPaL regimen will play a vital role in achieving this target. He said the training session was designed to be interactive and solution-focused, aiming to equip TB officers with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective implementation.
Dr. Balbir Singh explained that earlier, patients suffering from multi-drug-resistant TB (commonly referred to as MDR-TB or “severe TB”) had to undergo a lengthy and difficult treatment course lasting 18 to 20 months. Due to the prolonged nature of the treatment, many patients failed to complete it, resulting in adverse effects. The new BPaL method, which includes Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin, reduces the treatment duration to just six months, with better outcomes and fewer complications.
He emphasized that MDR-TB patients in the state will now benefit directly and immediately from the BPaL technique. He also stressed the need to align with national platforms such as the “TB Mukt Bharat” (TB-Free India) campaign to encourage public participation in the fight against TB. Dr. Balbir Singh added, “TB does not only affect the lungs — it can impact the entire body. We are committed to ensuring that no person in Punjab loses their future due to a curable disease.”
On this occasion, Medical Superintendent and Training Coordinator Dr. Vishal Chopra briefed the participants about the training program. Director of Family Welfare Dr. Jagminder shared a summary of the state’s TB program, while State TB Officer Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar provided detailed insights into the BPaL regimen.
During the event, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh also initiated the treatment of two TB patients using the BPaL technique and interacted with other patients receiving treatment at the TB Hospital.
Also present at the training were Director-Principal of Government Medical College Dr. R.P.S. Sibia, Civil Surgeon Dr. Jagpalinder Singh, Dr. Sarita Sharma, Dr. Vidhu Mittal, Dr. Kranti Garg, Dr. Paritosh Dhawan, Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Dr. Sudesh Kumari, and Dr. Kiranjit Kaur.
