New Vision for Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP): Universal access - “Reaching the un-reached”.

The Phase II (2006-2012) of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has been successful in achieving its objectives. Tuberculosis (TB) disease burden (prevalence and mortality) in India has reduced significantly when compared to 1990 levels, and India is on track to achieve the TB related millennium development goals. Despite significant progress, TB still continues to be one of the major public health problems in the country, and intensified efforts are required to reduce TB transmission and accelerate reductions in TB incidence, particularly in urban areas and difficult terrains. Achieving ‘Universal access’ is possible and necessary for the country. RNTCP during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) aims to achieve ‘Universal access’ to quality assured TB diagnosis and treatment and elaborate plans are being made. This requires broad and concerted efforts and support from all stakeholders with substantial enhancement of commitment and financing at all levels. This paper describes the new vision of RNTCP and an overview of how this will be achieved.

Public-private mix TB activities in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, North India: delivering dots via collaboration with private providers and non-governmental organizations.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the contribution of public-private collaboration between the Indian tuberculosis (TB) programme and the private health sector (including non-governmental organizations and private providers) to TB case-detection and treatment outcomes in Meerut district, India. METHODOLOGY: District TB registers from January 2001-June 2003 were reviewed. RESULTS: The 2002 new AFB-positive case-notification rate (103/100,000 population) in Meerut exceeded national targets. Of the 7,062 new AFB-positive patients registered, 2,084 (29%) were detected at private sector microscopy and DOTS treatment centres; treatment outcomes met programme targets. CONCLUSION: Public-private collaborations can be successfully implemented at the district level in India, and have the potential for substantial contributions to TB control efforts in India.