Tag: infectious diseases

Health

Molbio Diagnostics Empowers Philippines to Fast-Track TB Elimination with Truenat and Ultra-Portable X-ray Tech

Tanisha Cardozo

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the Philippines’ most pressing public health challenges, with nearly 190,000 cases going undetected each year. In a transformative move aligned with the UN goal to treat 2.1 million TB cases by 2027, the Philippines Department of Health has embraced Indian innovation to revolutionize its TB response.

At the forefront is the Truenat® platform, a WHO-endorsed, ICMR-approved molecular diagnostic solution developed by Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics. Designed for portability, accuracy, and speed, the Truenat® system supports rapid testing not just for TB, but for a wide array of infectious diseases, including HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis B & C.

Currently, 68 Truenat® devices are operational across the Philippines. A pilot on Bantayan Island yielded a staggering 1008% increase in TB detection — a powerful testament to the platform’s impact.

Geographic barriers, under-resourced labs, and limited rural access have long hindered TB diagnosis in the Philippines. Truenat®, alongside the newly approved PRORAD Atlas Ultraportable X-ray system, now makes it possible to deliver end-to-end screening, diagnosis, and treatment — even in the most isolated communities.

During an official visit to Molbio’s facility in India, Philippines Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J Herbosa commended the partnership, calling it a “beacon of innovation” and highlighting the broader strategic alliance between the two nations. “Truenat® allows for swift and accurate TB screenings, enhancing our capacity to manage and eventually eliminate TB within our borders,” he said.

This healthcare collaboration reflects a growing Indo-Philippine partnership that now exceeds $3 billion in trade, spanning pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and beyond.

Molbio Diagnostics will further its engagement with the Philippines by hosting a panel at the 31st Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) Annual Convention in Manila on August 14–15, 2025.

The company’s broader mission continues through projects like a multi-country R2D2 TB Network study exploring tongue-swab molecular testing — a game-changer for TB detection among children and people with HIV/AIDS.

“By bringing diagnostics to the doorstep of underserved communities, we aim to close the TB care gap and help countries build stronger, more resilient health systems,” said Shiva Sriram, President of Molbio Diagnostics.

Global Goans

Dr Roque Pinto Chairs Scientific Sessions at International Cytology Congress in Italy

allycaralgoa

Dr Roque G Wiseman Pinto, renowned Professor of Pathology and former Dean at Goa University, proudly represented India at the prestigious 22nd International Congress of Cytology held in Florence, Italy, from May 11 to 15 at the historic Fortezza da Basso. The global event, jointly organized by the International Academy of Cytology (IAC) and SIAPEC, brought together 750 delegates from 66 countries, including a contingent of 25 Indian participants, highlighting the global collaboration in the evolving field of cytopathology.

Invited as Chairman and Faculty, Dr Pinto was entrusted with leading three key scientific sessions, which focused on:

  • Salivary Gland Cytopathology (Milan System)
  • Cytopathology of Infectious Diseases
  • Fungal Infections in Cytology

Beyond his chairing responsibilities, Dr Pinto was an active participant in several high-level meetings of the IAC (International Academy of Cytology) and the European Federation of Cytology Societies (EFCS), contributing valuable perspectives on behalf of the Indian medical community. Notably, he was also a speaker at the IAC Social Media Symposium, where he addressed the global impact of cytopathology, its advantages over histopathology, and the growing role of digital engagement in India’s pathology landscape.

The congress was led by Dr Fernando Schmitt (Luxembourg) as the Congress President, with Dr Guido Fadda (Italy) heading the Local Organising Committee. Other distinguished Indian faculty members at the event included Dr Radhika S, Dr B Rekhi, and Dr Nalini Gupta, further showcasing India’s prominence in the field.

The conference, accredited by the IAC, EFCS, and the Italian Society of Pathology, served as a vibrant platform for exchange of cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and international collaboration. The next edition of the Congress will be held in South Korea in 2028.