State TB laboratory stops testing due to lack of support staff

In a startling case of administrative neglect, Haryana’s only state-level TB culture and drug sensitivity testing lab has been forced to stop operations — not due to technical failure or lack of funds, but for want of a sweeper.

Located on the first floor of the Polyclinic in Sector-16, Karnal, the Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) has not processed a single sample in the past four days. On average, the lab tests 90 to 100 TB samples daily, playing a critical role in diagnosing drug-resistant tuberculosis for 15 districts across the state.

The abrupt suspension has left over 500 sputum samples lying unattended, triggering concerns about delays in diagnosis and treatment — even as the Union Government targets TB elimination by 2025.

Shockingly, the crisis stems from the withdrawal of the lone sweeper posted at the lab by the Civil Surgeon’s office. While the sanctioned strength includes two sweepers, only one was ever deputed, and that too was recently pulled back. Repeated written requests to the Civil Surgeon and the State TB Officer for a replacement or redirection of pending samples have gone unanswered.

“TB samples require specialised care in both processing and disposal,” said Dr Ravi, Additional Senior Medical Officer and Microbiologist at the IRL. “We do not have a regular sweeper. The only one posted here was taken back. We have written to all authorities concerned.”

Dr Manjeet Singh, State Bacteriologist, highlighted the risks involved in processing infectious materials without support staff. “A TB lab demands a high standard of cleanliness, which is not possible without a designated sweeper. Without a sweeper, we had no option but to stop testing,” he said.

When contacted, Civil Surgeon Dr Poonam Chaudhary said she had just returned from leave and was unaware of the withdrawal. “The sweeper from the District Civil Hospital was deputed to the IRL. I have now asked the staff concerned to send the sweeper back to the lab,” she said.

Established in 2011–12, the Karnal IRL was the first such lab in Haryana and initially operated from the District Civil Hospital before being shifted to its current premises. It plays a vital role in diagnosing TB and monitoring drug resistance, especially in hard-to-treat cases across the state.

Haryana Tribune