(a) whether there are any States where the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme
(RNTCP) has been more effectively implemented as compared with other States;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to streamline the effective implementation of RNTCP in
all the States of the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a)&(b): Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) is being implemented uniformly in all
states throughout the country as laid out in the technical and operational guidelines for
RNTCP. The Programme is achieving global target of 85% cure rate consistently over the years
and a case detection rate of 70% has been achieved in 2007.
(c): The Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) is being implemented as a 100% Centrally
Sponsored Scheme and the entire country is implementing the programme. Under the Programme,
diagnosis and treatment facilities including a supply of anti TB drugs are provided free of
cost to all TB patients. For quality diagnosis, designated microscopy centres have been
established for every one lac populatioin in the normal areas and for every 50,000 population
in the tribal, hilly and difficult areas. Sputum microscopy instead of X-ray avoids over
diagnosis and identifies infectious cases. More than 12000 microscopy centres have been
established in the country. Drugs are provided to the TB patients in patient wise boxes to
ensure that all drugs for full course of treatment are earmarked the day a patient is
registered for treatment under the programme. Treatment centres (DOT centres) have been
established near to residence of patients to the extent possible. All government hospitals,
Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Sub-centres are DOT Centres,
in addition, NGOs, Private Practitioners (PPs) involved under the RNTCP, Community volunteers,
Anganwadi workers, Women Self Groups etc. also function as DOT Providers/DOT Centres. Drugs
are provided under direct observation and the patient are monitored so that they complete their
treatment.
To make the programme more accessible to larger segments of the population, and to
supplement the Government efforts in this direction, emphasis is being given to also involve
medical colleges, all general hospitals, Corporate hospitals, private practitioners and NGOs
in the programme.