Health Minister J P Nadda today launched CBNAAT diagnostic machine for the quick diagnosis of Tuberculosis, TB, within two hours. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Nadda said this will help in treating patients of TB patients promptly. At present 121 CBNAAT machine are functioning and five hundred more such machines were launched today. He said, the new diagnostic machine is a revolutionary rapid molecular test which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin drug resistance, simultaneously. <br/><br/>The Minister said, this test is fully automated and provides results within two hours. The Minister said, it is a highly sensitive diagnostic tool and can be used in remote and rural areas without sophisticated infrastructure or specialized training.<br/><br/>Mr Nadda also launched a new anti-TB drug Bedaquiline. He said, the drug is a new anti-TB drug for treatment of Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. This drug is indicated for use in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. The drug will be made available in six public hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Guwahati and Ahmedabad. The Health Minister said government is aggressively taking initiatives to fight against TB.<br/><br/>The Health Minister also released the TB India 2016 Annual Report and the technical and operational guidelines for TB Control in India 2016. The comprehensive set of guidelines are for management of all forms of TB, including drug resistant TB and strategies for intensified case finding, adherence of more patient centric approaches and single-window care for patients suffering from HIV and TB. A new radio campaign with TB ambassador Amitabh Bachchan and social media campaign, was also launched at the event.<br/><br/>22 lakh patients are being detected with TB annually in India. Around two lakh and 20 thousand lost their lives due to the disease. He also launched WHO regional strategy plan 2016-20 to end TB in South Asia.