CM Devendra Fadnavis takes initiative to use modern technology for a TB-free Maharashtra
Tripartite MoU signed to strengthen rural healthcare services
Mumbai, November 2026: Maharashtra is stepping up the use of modern technology to ensure faster and more accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), with the aim of making the state TB-free. Under the initiative of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, 300 advanced ‘Truenat Quattro’ molecular diagnostic machines will be installed to provide timely and quality healthcare services to people in remote and rural areas.
Under the National TB Elimination Programme, the machines will be installed across Primary Health Centres, rural hospitals and district-level healthcare institutions. Approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), these advanced machines will enable early and accurate detection of tuberculosis.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed among the BPCL Foundation, HITES–HLL Infra Tech Services Limited, the implementing agency, and the Joint Director of Health Services (TB and Leprosy) for the project.
The project will involve an estimated expenditure of Rs 41.92 crore and will be implemented over a period of 21 months. The initiative will expand access to modern diagnostic facilities in remote and rural parts of the state.
The ‘Truenat Quattro’ machines will be capable of detecting tuberculosis, including rifampicin-resistant TB, within just one hour. Since the machines are portable and battery-operated, they can be easily deployed in remote locations as well.
Healthcare workers will receive specialised training to operate the equipment, while the entire process will be digitally monitored through the Nikshay platform.
The project is expected to create an annual testing capacity of approximately 9.36 lakh tests across Maharashtra. This will help identify an estimated 1.12 lakh TB patients and 4,680 patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis at an early stage.
Reducing delays in diagnosis will help contain the spread of infection and ensure that people in rural and underserved areas have easier access to modern healthcare facilities.
