Private sector involvement in tuberculosis control in Chandigarh.

ABSTRACT

Background: Private practitioners in India treat a substantial proportion of the TB cases. The present study is an attempt to find out the extent of private sector involvement in the control of tuberculosis in the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Methodology: The study was conducted in Union Territory of Chandigarh, during 2003-04. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 20 per cent of private practitioners practising allopathic system of medicine in Chandigarh. A questionnaire was used for collection of data after pre-testing. Results: Out of 114 doctors interviewed, 71 per cent dealt with TB patients. In response to a question as to how many sputum samples were required for routine microscopy, 72 per cent stated 3 samples but only 6 per cent knew the correct timing of sputum collection. 8.6 per cent of the practitioners followed the recommended guidelines of RNTCP treatment. As to reasons for not following the standard guidelines, 46.6 per cent said that they were not aware of these guidelines. About 82 oer cent were willing to be partners for implementation of RNTCP. A case history was given to practitioners to assess their knowledge regarding DOTS. It was observed that only 7.8 per cent knew the correct dosage and 21per cent knew the correct duration of treatment. Conclusion: Knowledge of private practitioners regarding RNTCP and DOTS strategy was poor and they were not following recommended guidelines for control of tuberculosis, but they were willing to participate in the programme.