A Cephaid  made GeneXpert/CBNAAT Testing Machine installed in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of JlN Hosputal and Research Centre, Bhilai, was inaugurated by Dr KN Thakur, Director I/c (Medical & Health Services), Bhilai Steel Plant, a flagship unit of the public sector steel giant Steel Authority of India limited (SAIl).

Cephaid is an American Molecular Diagnostic Company. The machine has been installed under the aegis of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) of the Government. The programme has a vision of achieving a "TB free India", and aims to achieve Universal Access to TB control services.

It will be a great asset in the field of TB diagnosis especially in cases like previously treated TB, Sputum+ve follow up, HIV-TB coinfection where MDR TB can be diagnosed early. It also has a major utility in rapid diagnosis of TB in presumptive cases of HIV, Pediatric TB and extra pulmonary TB.

This is the second machine in this district. JlN Hospital and Research Centre is a referral centre and cater to a large population. This machine will prove to be a boon for this area. Specimen such as sputum, pus & all body fluids can be subjected for tests.

Present on occasion were Dr. S K Issar, Director (M & HS), Dr A K Garg, Director (M & HS), Dr Anurag Srivastava, Director (M & HS), Dr Mandal (DTO), Dr Meshram (MO), Dr S Kirolikar (Formar HOD), Dr C S Ghosh, HOD (Respiratory Medicine) and All HODs of respective departments  and the respiratory medicine collectives.