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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 01/05/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (01-05-2025).

📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Governance | Health | Innovation)

“The transfer of indigenous CRISPR-based TB diagnostic technology by ICMR represents a turning point in India’s battle against tuberculosis. Discuss the significance of this innovation for public health, especially in underserved regions.”

🔹 Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of India’s most persistent public health challenges, accounting for nearly 25% of the global TB burden. The recent move by ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Dibrugarh, to commercialize a CRISPR-based TB detection system marks a bold step toward tech-led health equity in the fight for a “TB Mukt Bharat” by 2025.

🔹 Why CRISPR-Based TB Diagnostics Matter

Parameter	Benefit
Speed	Delivers results within 30–60 minutes
Accuracy	High sensitivity & specificity for early detection
Portability	Suitable for rural/tribal areas lacking advanced labs
Affordability	Low-cost alternative to GeneXpert and culture-based methods

🔹 Public Health Significance

Decentralized Diagnosis
- Ensures point-of-care testing, crucial in the Northeast and remote tribal belts
- Bridges urban-rural diagnostic divide
Enables Early Treatment
- Prevents disease transmission and reduces mortality
- Reduces loss to follow-up due to rapid results
Make in India & Health Sovereignty
- Reduces dependence on imported diagnostic kits
- Builds R&D capacity in Tier-2 cities like Dibrugarh
Supports National TB Elimination Mission (2025)
- Complements initiatives like Ni-Kshay, Nikshay Mitra, and free drug regimens

🔹 Challenges to Address

Challenge	Explanation
Logistics	Cold chain for reagents, trained personnel for test handling
Scale & Speed	Slow integration into government health systems
Affordability Concerns	Risk of pricing out diagnostics if monopolized
Monitoring & Evaluation	Need for digital integration with Ni-Kshay for tracking

🔹 Policy & Institutional Support Needed

Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) can serve as distribution and testing hubs
Public-Private Partnerships for manufacturing, training, and deployment
Integration with Digital Health Stack under National Health Mission
Funding via CSR and Health Innovation Funds to accelerate adoption in underserved districts

🔹 Way Forward

🧑‍⚕️ Train ASHA & ANM workers to collect and handle TB samples
🛰️ Use of telemedicine to link patients in remote areas with doctors
📊 Real-time data dashboard for test outcomes and coverage gaps
🔬 Expand use of CRISPR to other diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria) in endemic regions

🔹 Conclusion

The CRISPR-based TB diagnostic system is a game-changer for India’s public health infrastructure—particularly for underserved populations in the Northeast. If scaled equitably and supported by robust policy and funding, it can turn India’s TB elimination dream into a data-driven, tech-enabled reality.

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