Karnal's Intermediate Reference Laboratory Resumes TB Testing Services

KARNAL, HARYANA — The Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) in Karnal has resumed its tuberculosis (TB) culture and drug sensitivity testing services after a brief suspension due to staffing shortages. The laboratory had halted testing operations for four days owing to the absence of a sweeper, a critical role for maintaining hygiene after handling infectious samples.

The disruption came to light following a report by The Tribune, which highlighted the laboratory's plight. After authorities were notified, a sweeper was deployed on a temporary basis from the District Civil Hospital, allowing testing to recommence. Dr. Ravi, the Additional Senior Medical Officer and Microbiologist at IRL, confirmed on July 20, 2025, that the laboratory processed approximately 200 samples that day and planned to work through the weekend to clear the backlog.

The IRL plays a vital role in the state's healthcare system, serving as a key facility for the accurate diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. The halt in operations raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals and patients, as timely diagnosis is essential for effective TB management and control. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), timely diagnosis and treatment of TB can drastically reduce transmission rates and improve health outcomes for patients (WHO, 2023).

Currently, the IRL is authorized to employ two sweepers, yet both positions remain vacant, highlighting a critical staffing issue within Haryana's health facilities. The temporary deployment of the sweeper from the District Civil Hospital was a stop-gap measure, and the withdrawal of staff last week had previously forced the laboratory to cease operations, underscoring systemic issues in healthcare staffing.

Dr. Priya Sharma, a public health expert at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), emphasized the importance of maintaining uninterrupted laboratory services in her 2023 study published in the Indian Journal of Public Health. "Laboratories are the backbone of effective disease management, especially for communicable diseases like TB. Any disruption can have severe public health implications," she stated.

The IRL's operational challenges reflect broader issues in the healthcare system, including inadequate staffing and resource allocation. As India battles a resurgence of tuberculosis, primarily exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining laboratory services is more critical than ever. According to the Central TB Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India accounted for 26% of the world's TB cases in 2022, demonstrating the ongoing struggle to control this disease (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2022).

Health authorities are urged to address staffing shortages proactively to ensure that laboratories can operate continuously without interruption. The consequences of operational lapses in such critical facilities can hinder TB control efforts, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates among affected populations.

In conclusion, while the IRL in Karnal has resumed testing, the situation highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in staffing and resource management within India's public health infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and investment in healthcare resources are essential to combat TB effectively and protect public health in the long term.