(a) whether the Government has directed the health practioners to discourage irrational use of
first and second line of Anti-TB drugs; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
(a) whether the Government has directed the health practioners to discourage irrational use of
first and second line of Anti-TB drugs; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b) A consensus statement of experts across the country drawn on the initiative of Indian
Council of Medical Research (ICMR),which was then endorsed by National Task Force (NTF) of
Medical Colleges was circulated to all Medical Colleges and States to disseminate amongst
all health care providers with the appeal to all practitioners to follow International
Standards of TB Care. The consensus statement highlights the importance of quality DOTS
Programme to prevent emergence of drug resistant TB in the community and management of MDR-TB by
adhering to the guidelines on diagnosis, drug regimens, duration of treatment and taking
measures to ensure treatment adherence.