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Linked Node
Transportation of Supplies under NTEP
Learning ObjectivesModes- courier, postal, govt vehicle. - Transport services(Agency), Rail-
Timely procurement and an uninterrupted supply of medicines and other consumables are important requirements for the successful implementation and sustainability of the programme.
In a vast country like India where >70% of the population resides in rural areas, it is a challenge to transport sputum samples, drugs, consumables and other items on time and subsequently may result in delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation.
To combat this, the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) developed a multi-sectoral engagement strategy and entered into agreements with various ministries like the railways, road transport, aviation and communications for transportation of NTEP supplies and specimen transport across the countries through one of these modes.
Various Transportation Modes Utilised under NTEP for the Transport of Drugs and Other Supplies
| Transportation Service | Activity |
| Indian Railway |
The railway network is utilised for the supply of drug consignments from State/ District drug stores to far-flung areas. Ministry of Railways has also extended support to NTEP in terms of supply chain management and technical support for the implementation of TB-related activities across the country through railway medical services. |
| Indian Postal Services | Provides universal access to the rapid diagnosis of TB by specimen transportation from peripheral health facility to TB diagnostic laboratory, maintaining specimen quality while also respecting the timelines; delivering drugs across the country; and also fulfilling the submission of the TB notification forms to the Nodal Officer. |
| Air Transport Services |
NTEP undertakes the transportation of the equipment as well as drug consignments through air cargo from various warehouses to the State Drug Stores on a routine basis as well as during emergencies. In some situations, where the sputum specimens are required to be transported to the reference laboratories from various parts of the country, air transport of specimens is carried out to ensure efficient and timely testing. |
| Couriers |
Third-party courier services are identified by NTEP in almost every district in the country and are given the responsibility to transport supplies and specimens from one centre to another while strictly adhering to the guidelines. The District TB Officer (DTO) is responsible for ensuring the quality of the transportation process through these courier services. |
| Government Vehicles | Vehicles are provided to the Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS)/ Senior TB Laboratory Supervisor (STLS) which are utilised in supply chain management, i.e., to deliver medicines to patients' homes as well as to collect samples for testing and follow-up, from the patients in their homes. |
| Third-party Logistics (3PL) | Central TB Division (CTD) has offered 3PL services at the district level where the agency is providing the transport services to pick the supplies from the District Drug Stores (DDS) and supply them to the TB Unit (TU) level. At present, 3PL service is being offered to all the DDS under the NTEP. |
Significance
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Utilising the existing government facilities for the transport of supplies is a cost-effective strategy.
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Quick transportation of specimens can lead to effective TB testing and enhance the resulting output.
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Early diagnosis and treatment initiation can contribute to minimising the further transmission of disease.
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Strengthening the NTEP's supply chain management system to ensure the last-mile delivery of drugs.
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Timely availability of drugs and other related supplies can majorly contribute to the treatment outcome.
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Reaching out to the key populations served by various ministries such as workers, miners, migrants, tribal populations, women & children, etc. who are also highly vulnerable to TB.
Resources
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Procurement, Supply Chain Management & Preventive Maintenance, Module 6, CTD, MoHFW, India.
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MoU between Ministry of Railways, GoI and Central TB Division, MoHFW, India, 2019.
Assessment
|
Question |
Answer 1 |
Answer 2 |
Answer 3 |
Answer 4 |
Correct answer |
Correct explanation |
Page id |
Part of Pre-test |
Part of Post-test |
|
Which of the following services does India Post provide in collaboration with NTEP? |
Initiation of treatment |
Changing treatment regimen |
Transport of sputum specimens and other supplies. |
All of the above |
3 |
Indian post supports NTEP in specimen transportation from peripheral health facility to TB diagnostic laboratory as well as in the supply of drugs and other items. |
|
Yes |
Yes |
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