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.

Role of WHO recruited consultants in successful implementation and expansion of the DOTS programme in India.

For successful implementation of DOTS in India, many factors have played important part and one of which is the use of WHO-contracted local consultants. WHO had recruited consultants known as RNTCP Medical Consultants (RMCs) and assigned them to States and districts to provide technical assistance to the State and District TB Officers. In the districts the RMCs assist in preparation of action plans and interact with district and State authorities. The RMC network is funded by WHO and the Canadian International Development Agency. The assignment of RMCs has resulted in much more rapid implementation of the DOTS strategy with sustainable improvement in the quality of the programme in implementing districts.