Historical Background/Periodical Development
The Early Days
TB is one of the most ancient diseases. It has been referred to in the Vedas and Ayurvedic Samhitas.

A TB Division in the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), was established in New Delhi in 1946, with an Adviser in TB as its head. TB was also given a prominent place in the planning. Since the government was not only concerned with TB but with other diseases and health infrastructure, it constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Sir Joseph Bhore. Its secretary was Rao Bahadur KCKE Raja, who as the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) played a dominant role in the TB field during his tenure. The Bhore Committee, which published its report in 1946, placed organized domiciliary service at the forefront of the programme. It recommended setting up of a clinic for each district and the use of mobile clinics for rural areas.

BCG vaccine, named after the two scientists who developed it, stands for Bacillus Calmette Guerín. BCG work started in India as a pilot project in two centers in 1948. In 1949, it was extended to schools in almost all states of India. Under the aegis of the International Tuberculosis Campaign, which had considerable experience in BCG work in many countries, it was introduced in India on a small scale in Madanapalle with Dr Frimodt Moller in the lead. India started a mass BCG Campaign in 1951. A BCG Vaccine Production Center in Guindy, Madras was set up in 1948. WHO and UNICEF provided support.

The very notion that there could be effective drugs against the tubercle bacilli was so revolutionary that researchers began to experiment on the effective dosages and combinations of drugs to be used. The issue of affordability was also considered. In the 1949 Annual TB Workers’ Conference, several papers were presented on the effects of PAS and SM on the patients and on the distribution of SM in India. In 1952 Drs Robitzek and Selikoff revealed that INH is a miracle drug against TB and it continues as such till date.

In 1953, Frimodt Moller reported remarkable results with the regimen SM and INH, single and combined, in the treatment of pulmonary TB in Indian patients. In 1956, Drs Sikand and Pamra presented a paper on the “Effect of Streptomycin(SM),Para amino Salicylic Acid (PAS) and Isoniazid (INH) in 703 cases of pulmonary TB, diagnosed and treated during 1951–53”. They found that the results of domiciliary treatment were encouraging enough to warrant a shift of emphasis from hospitals and sanatoria to clinics without waiting for any further trials.

These studies would, in time, revolutionize the management of TB all over the world. However, it soon became apparent that the tubercle bacilli could not be destroyed easily even with drugs. The tubercle bacilli had powerful survival techniques, besides developing resistance to drugs. Trials indicated that the newly available drugs, when used singly, were effective only for short periods. To be effective, conventional treatment had to be continued for at least 12–18 months. This brought with it several problems. How many patients would continue to take medicines for such a long duration? How to keep track? Further research was, therefore, needed to harness the potential of these newly discovered drugs.

In the mean time, the government in 1956 had established the Tuberculosis Chemotherapy Center, later known as Tuberculosis Research Center (TRC) in Madras (Chennai), under the auspices of the ICMR, Government of Madras, WHO, and the British Medical Research Council (BMRC). This Center was to provide information on the mass domiciliary application of chemotherapy in the treatment of pulmonary TB. It demonstrated that the time–honoured virtues of sanatorium treatment such as bed rest, well–balanced diet and good accommodation were remarkably unimportant provided adequate chemotherapy was prescribed and taken.

Further, there was no evidence that close family contacts of patients treated at home incurred an increased risk of contracting TB. Therefore, it would be appropriate to treat infectious patients in their own homes. This finding revolutionized TB treatment the world over.

National Tuberculosis Institute (NTI) was established in 1959 to evolve through research a practicable TB programme that could be applied in all parts of the country. This Institute would train medical and para–medical workers to efficiently apply proven methods in rural as well as urban areas.

In 1950, Dr P V Benjamin reported that tuberculosis infection is so widespread that no part of the country is free from it. The subsequent BCG campaigns revealed similar findings. However, this needed to be checked by scientifically conducted surveys.

For a country as large as India, the sample of one area was inadequate. Reliable information on the magnitude and extent of the disease in the various cross sections of the population was required. This was not an easy task. Apart from resources, trained personnel to conduct large– scale surveys was not readily available. A special committee of the ICMR was set up to address the issue of obtaining this information expeditiously and rationally. It decided that a systematic survey on a countrywide basis should be undertaken.

District TB Programme
Based on the findings of the operational studies conducted, a draft recommendation for the District Tuberculosis Programme was prepared in 1961, keeping in mind an average Indian district, its population and health facilities available.

The national programme policy as enunciated in the introduction manual of DTP comprised

• Domiciliary treatment.
• Use of a standard drug regimen of 12–18 months duration.
• Treatment free of cost.
• Priority to newly diagnosed patients, over previously treated patients.
• Treatment organization fully decentralized.
• Treatment organization fully decentralized.
• Efficient defaulter system/mostly self–administered regimen.
• Timely follow up.
• Chemoprophylaxis not recommended as it is impractical on mass basis.

Social sciences were consciously included as hard evidence and peoples’ voices were placed on par with science, technology and administration. The National Programme was fully integrated with the government health services of the country, thus extending the scope of TB work to be available through its vast reaches.

Controlled clinical trial for efficacy of BCG vaccine
NTI was also concerned with the efficacy of the BCG vaccine itself. BCG vaccination was the only available protective measure against TB. Different trials had not revealed credible proof of its efficacy. Many, including late Sri C Rajagopalachari, even thought that its efficacy was not fully proven and strongly advocated against its continued large–scale use. It would be in the interest of the country to undertake a well designed trial to seek clear answers to the major issues confronting it.

Therefore, the NTI had been vigorously planning to conduct a major BCG trial and had even reserved certain areas in the country as vaccination–free zones. It was in touch with the international scientific community, various vaccine production centres and in the field.

In January 1964, it initiated intensive discussions with the WHO experts and representatives from United States Public Health Service (USPHS). It was agreed that any trial undertaken must not interfere with the progress of NTI and NTP; and because such a trial was expensive and prolonged, it would have to be designed with utmost care and efficiency.

Ultimately, the project named Feasibility Study for TB Prevention Trials became part of the ICMR and moved out of the campus to its own building. In time, its studies showed that the major BCG trial would be best if conducted in Chingleput district of Tamil Nadu than in other areas reserved for the purpose.

Field work began and the office was moved to Madras. In spite of shifting of the project camp to Madras, NTI continued to assist the BCG Trial by providing technical guidance and replacement of staff. When Dr Raj Narain, Epidemiologist of NTI retired, Dr Baily, TB Specialist of NTI joined as the Director of this study and continued to serve till the first report was published.

The BCG trial was completed as scheduled. After a period of twelve and a half years, it brought out a revolutionary report. It showed that BCG vaccination did not offer significant protection against TB of the lung. Several expert committees appointed both by the authorities in India and by the WHO examined all the procedures followed up in the study and came to the conclusion that the study had been meticulously carried out and vaccine used in the trial were the best available ones. The implications of this study was: Should BCG vaccination be given up in India? Another committee appointed jointly by ICMR and the WHO went into the epidemiological aspects of the causation of TB under Indian conditions. It concluded that though BCG may not protect against TB of lung which occurs mostly in adults, it could provide substantial protection against childhood forms of TB such as tubercular meningitis, miliary TB. The protective effect of BCG against these forms of TB was not studied in Chingleput Trial. In India BCG vaccination policy was revised and it was recommended to be given at an early age preferably before the end of the first year after birth by integrating under UIP. BCG vaccination policies in many other countries were also revised as a consequence of the Chingleput study findings.

Era of short course chemotherapy
Chemotherapy of TB underwent revolutionary changes in the seventies owing to the availability of two well–tolerated and highly effective drugs – rifampicin and pyrazinamide. These drugs allowed short course chemotherapy (SCC) and made it possible to simplify treatment and reduce its duration. Discovery of rifampicin in 1967 is considered as one of the greatest achievements in the history of development of anti–TB drugs. After its discovery no new drug has been found.

Monitoring of the programme
It is not possible to measure disease burden accurately through monitoring. However, it is an important tool to evaluate the performance of the units of the DTPs in an ongoing manner and take corrective action simultaneously. This would improve the programme efficiency on a regular basis. Till 1978 monitoring of the programme was done by northern and southern regional centres and from then by NTI only.

The evaluation of the NTP
The NTI had believed in assessment and evaluation as an ongoing process. It welcomed the idea of periodic assessment, especially from experts, on scientific lines as they are vital to the growth and improvement in the programme.

The NTP was evaluated by three agencies, ICMR, Institute of Communication, Operations Research and Community Involvement (ICORCI) and WHO.

In 1992, the Government of India, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), reviewed the national programme and concluded that it suffered from managerial weakness, inadequate funding, over–reliance on x–ray, non–standard treatment regimens, low rates of treatment completion, and lack of systematic information on treatment outcomes. As a result, a Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was designed.

Formulation of the RNTCP
In the light of the recommendations and concerns expressed by the Central Health Council, steps were taken since 1993 to implement the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) in selected areas with World Bank assistance.

The RNTCP builds on the very substantial strengths and accomplishments of the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP).

The RNTCP strengthens the existing NTP infrastructure by creating a sub–district–level supervisory team (known as the TB Unit), consisting of a treatment supervisor (Senior Treatment Supervisor, STS) and a laboratory supervisor (Senior TB Laboratory Supervisor, STLS). These are new posts. In addition, a medical officer from the general health system serves as Medical Officer–TB Control at sub–district level who is specifically allocated TB control duties in addition to his other duties. These 3 individuals constitute the management unit, which is responsible for overseeing operations in approximately a 5 lakh population including, on average, 5 designated microscopy centers. All these three staff have been made mobile by giving vehicle/POL inputs. At each microscopy centre, a state–of–the art binocular microscope, good quality reagents and new recording and reporting proformae are available. More importantly, intensive modular training, supervision, and cross–checking of the work of the laboratory technician should ensure that reliable results are obtained.

The goal of RNTCP is to cure at least 85% of new smear–positive cases of tuberculosis and to detect at least 70% of such patients, after the desired cure rate has been achieved. Clearly, both good outcomes and high case detection rates are essential. But it is essential that the system is geared up to reliably cure patients, before any attempts are made at expanding case detection. In fact, experience clearly shows that reliably curing patients results in a “Recruitment effect” – wherever effective services are offered, case detection rates steadily increase. Cured patients act as one of the best motivators promoting case detection and patient adherence to treatment.

The basic principles of the RNTCP are

• Political commitment to ensure adequate funds, staff, and other key inputs.
• Diagnosis primarily by microscopy of patients presenting to health facilities.
• Regular and uninterrupted supply of anti–TB medications including the use of a patient–wise box which contains the entire course of treatment for an individual patient so that no patient should ever stop treatment for lack of medicines.
• Direct observation of every dose of treatment in the intensive phase and at least the first dose in the continuation phase of treatment.

Systematic monitoring, supervision and cohort analysis; one Senior Treatment Supervisor for organization of uninterrupted treatment and one Senior Tuberculosis Laboratory Supervisor for ensuring quality laboratory service for every 5 lakh population. Additional staff are provided for difficult hilly, tribal, and some urban areas.

If 3 AFB smears are negative and there is no response to 1–2 weeks of antibiotics, X–ray is taken, and, if consistent with TB, the patient is treated for smear–negative TB. If only one of three specimens is positive, an x–ray is taken and the patient is evaluated. All treatment is given thrice weekly on alternate days. During the intensive phase, every dose is directly observed; medications for the continuation phase are packaged into a weekly blister pack, at least the first dose of which is directly observed.

Policy direction, supervision, drugs and microscopes are provided by the central government. Modular training has been used for all staff from medical officers to health workers. Multi–purpose workers are responsible for treatment observation; where they are not available, treatment observation is done by community volunteers including Anganwadi workers, traditional dais, and community and religious leaders. Observation by a family member is not acceptable in the programme. In some larger cities with limited health infrastructure, the RNTCP has funded specialized, full–time staff for microscopy and for treatment observation. Maharashtra is second largest populous state in the country, but also first largest state to cover the entire population under RNTCP in India. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) has been expanded rapidly in the past four years in Maharashtra without compromising quality of services. The state was covering only 20% of population till 1999. Now the RNTCP program has covered entire population in the state.

To implement this programme effectively State TB Society and 48 Districts/City TB Societies have been established. Detailed planning for implementation of the programme is done at State and District levels.

Phasewise implementation of RNTCP

Objectives of National Tuberculosis Control Programme

1. To achieve and maintain at least 85% cure rate of new sputum positive patients.
2. To achieve and maintain detection of at least 70% of estimated Sputum Positive Cases i.e. New Sputum Positive Case Detection Rate of 56/L/Y.

Strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme
DOTS is a systematic strategy which has five components

• Political and administrative commitment. TB is the leading infectious cause of death among adults. It kills more women than all causes associated with childbirth combined and leaves more orphans than any other infectious disease. And, since TB can be cured and the epidemic reversed, it warrants the topmost priority, which it has been accorded by the Government of India. This priority must be continued and expanded at the state, district and local levels.
• Good quality diagnosis. Top quality microscopy allows health workers to see the tubercle bacilli and is essential to identify the patients who need treatment the most.
• Good quality drugs. An uninterrupted supply of good quality anti–TB drugs must be available. In the RNTCP, a box of medications for the entire treatment is earmarked for every patient registered, ensuring the availability of the full course of treatment to the patient the moment he is registered for treatment. Hence in DOTS, the treatment will never fail for lack of medicine.
• The right treatment, given in the right way. The RNTCP uses the best anti–TB medications available. But unless treatment is made convenient for patients, it will fail. This is why the heart of the DOTS programme is “Directly observed treatment” in which a health worker, or another trained person who is not a family member, watches as the patient swallows the anti–TB medicines in their presence.
• Systematic monitoring and accountability. The programme is accountable for the outcome of every patient treated. The cure rate and other key indicators are monitored at every level of the health system, and if any area is not meeting expectations,supervision is intensified.The RNTCP shifts the responsibility for cure from the patient to the health system.

Service Centers


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Services to Common People

1. Free diagnosis of tuberculosis through sputum microscopy.
2. Treatment is directly observed by Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) provider.
3. Treatment on tuberculosis is available free.

Activities of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme
Quality diagnosis by sputum microscopy

• 3 sputum examinations are done for each chest symptomatic patient for diagnosis purpose.
• Sputum examinations are done at the upgraded microscopy centre using high quality binocular microscope by trained laboratory technician (LT).
• Quality Assurance of Sputum Microscopy by Senior TB Laboratory Supervisor (STLS).
• Diagnostic Algorithm is strictly followed by MOs for sputum negative cases.

Quality diagnosis by sputum microscopy

• 3 sputum examinations are done for each chest symptomatic patient for diagnosis purpose.
• Sputum examinations are done at the upgraded microscopy centre using high quality binocular microscope by trained laboratory technician (LT).
• Quality Assurance of Sputum Microscopy by Senior TB Laboratory Supervisor (STLS).
• Diagnostic Algorithm is strictly followed by MOs for sputum negative cases.

Treatment under direct observation

• Un–interrupted supply of good quality drugs in patient wise boxes.
• Treatment given under direct observation of DOT provider, at the convenient place and time to the patient.
• Maintenance of records and reports.
• Recording of every TB patient diagnosed, in the TB Register.
• Sound and robust record keeping and reporting system.
• All the districts and corporations are electronically connected and they are submitting their quarterly reports through EPI Centre software to the State and Central TB Division, Delhi.

Supervision & Monitoring

• Supervision of overall RNTCP implementation by STS, STLS, MOTUs, DTOs.
• PHI wise analysis and feedback of the performance from district.
• TU Wise & District Wise Analysis of Performance from State.
• Supervisory visits to the districts from State.

Training of MOs/LTs/Paramedical Staff as an ongoing activity to ensure availability of at least 80% trained staff at any point of time.

Involvement of Medical Colleges, Big Hospitals, Private Practitioners, Railways, ESIS and NGOs in RNTCP.

IEC activities at state, district, sub–district & village level

• Sensitization of village level political leaders/CEOs etc.
• Cinema slides/cable running message whenever applicable.
• Patient Meetings etc.

Activities undertaken by STDC

• Training.
• Training need assessment.
• Co–ordination, supervision and monitoring of all district level trainings in the state.
• Management skill development training of DTO’s.
• Supervision & Monitoring.
• Appraisal.
• Internal Evaluation.
• Quality Control.

TB–HIV CO–Ordination, Maharashtra
I. Need for Co–ordination
As the epidemic of HIV is mushrooming it becomes necessary to intensify our efforts in developing strategies for providing supportive services to HIV infected persons. HIV infection has escalated the burden of TB, especially in countries where prevalence of HIV infection and TB infection is high. Though the exact number of HIV–TB co–infected persons is not known, it is estimated that 1/3rd of the 36.1 million PLWHA worldwide at the end of the year 2000 were co–infected with M.Tuberculosis.

HIV infection is the most powerful risk factor for progression from TB infection to disease. An individual with dual infection of HIV–TB has more than 50% lifetime risk of developing TB as compared to 10% in TB infected person without HIV infection. The rate of progression of TB is also 30 times more rapid in an HIV infected person. TB accelerates the progression of HIV by causing a six–seven–fold increase in viral load. It shortens the survival period of an HIV infected individual and is a cause of death for one in three cases of AIDS.

In a developing nation like ours, the burden posed by increasing number of HIV/AIDS and TB cases can overwhelm our available services and budget. It is therefore time for both the AIDS and TB programme to jointly make efforts to deal with the dual epidemic of HIV and TB.

In India, more than 60% of the reported AIDS cases suffered from TB. Though the life of an HIV infected individual appears bleak due to lack of definitive treatment or vaccine, what is encouraging to note is that TB can be cured by treatment with Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS). Treatment with DOTS prolongs and improves the quality of life.

Recognizing this serious threat posed by HIV and TB, the State of Maharashtra has initiated the collaboration of the AIDS and TB Control Programme. Maharashtra is situated in the Western Region of India, with a population of more than one hundred million. It has 35 districts with a population ranging from 1–6 million. Maharashtra has one–tenth of India’s population and Mumbai has one–tenth of Maharashtra’s population.

In Maharashtra, an estimated 1,84,560 new TB cases occur. TB diagnostic services are provided at selected government health facilities called as Designated Microscopy Centres (DMCs) established for every 1,00,000 population. Directly Observed Treatment is provided at DOT centres. The TB treatment success rate in second quarter 2005/04 is 87% and TB case detection is 67% in second quarter 2005. There are 1026 DMCs within the state.

NACO estimates that 0.9% of the adult population is HIV infected. It is estimated that Maharashtra has 1.4 million HIV. Of the 35 districts, 22 districts (63%) have an HIV prevalence of more than 1% among pregnant women. There is atleast one VCTC in each of the districts, and now it is slowly being expanded to sub–district level, with the aim of establishing one VCTC for every 5,00,000 population.

II. Goal and Objectives of Co–ordination
The basic purpose of TB–HIV co–ordination programme initiated in 2001, is to ensure optimal synergy between the two programmes for the prevention and control of both diseases. The overall goal is to reduce TB–related morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS while preventing further spread of HIV and TB through collaboration between NACP and RNTCP. The objectives of TB–HIV co–ordination programme is

1. To reduce the TB burden among PLHA by early diagnosis and treatment
2. To reduce the TB related mortality among PLHA’s by early diagnosis and treatment, and
3. To provide counselling and testing facility for those diagnosed TB patients suspected to have HIV infection because of high risk behaviour or diagnosis of other opportunistic infections.

III. Action Plan on TB–HIV Co–ordination Programme
The basic purpose of HIV–TB coordination is to ensure optimal synergy between the two programmes for the prevention and control of both diseases. Key areas include:

1. Commitment to HIV–TB coordination, through sensitization.
2. Service delivery coordination and cross–referral, through training, provision of additional services, and coordination at the local level.
3. Optimal and comprehensive use of the community reach of both programmes through the sensitisation and involvement of NGOs and private practitioners who are involved in both programmes.
4. Infection control to prevent spread of TB in facilities caring for HIV–infected persons, and to prevent spread of HIV through safe injection practices in the RNTCP.
5. Joint efforts at IEC particularly with regard to de–stigmatisation, TB being treatable, HIV being preventable, DOTS prolongs life of HIV infected persons and ensuring confidentiality of HIV– and TB–related information.
6. Monitoring and evaluation at District, State and National level to assess the co–ordination between both these programmes.
7. One of the Key service delivery areas for co–ordination is Co–ordination between Voluntary Counselling Testing Centre and Designated Microscopy Centre/Directly Observed Treatment Centre (VCTC – RNTCP Co–ordination).

Other areas for co–ordination that have been initiated are between NACP services like NGO’s implementing Targeted Interventions, PPTCT, Drop–in–centres and Community Care centres with the RNTCP diagnostic and treatment centre.

IV. Establishment of TB–HIV Co–ordination Programme in Maharashtra

1. Sensitization of Key Policy Makers.
2. State TB officer member of AIDS executive committee and project director member of State TB control society.
3. State HIV–TB Co–ordination Committee.
4. District Co–ordination Committee (HIV–TB).
5. Training of RNTCP and NACP staff, NGO’s and General Health Care Staff.
6. Establishment of referral linkages.
7. Treatment of HIV Sero–positive TB patients.
8. Infection Control Measures.
9. HIV Surveillance in TB patients.
10. Monitoring and Supervision.

V. Sensitization of key policy makers
The first step taken for establishing co–ordination was the sensitization of key policy–makers to address the importance of HIV–TB co–ordination.

Key Policy Makers like Principal Secretary–Public Health, Director General Health Services, Project Director of AIDS Control Societies, Deputy Director (TB and BCG), Programme Officers of AIDS control societies and TB Control Society, Medical Superintendent of TB Hospitals, Representative of NGOs, Municipal Corporation and Medical Superintendent of TB Hospitals participated in a one day discussion on the issue of HIV TB Co–infection and the need for collaboration between the two programmes. This one–day workshop, conducted by MSACS in February 2002 paved the way for smooth implementation and co–ordination of the HIV–TB activities in the State.

In June 2003, a similar sensitization workshop was conducted by MDACS for the Key Health Care Programme Officers of Mumbai Corporation.

Morbidity, mortality and socio–economic consequences of HIV, TB, and the interaction between HIV and TB was discussed. Emphasis was laid on the need for the co–ordination.

VI. State TB officer member of AIDS executive committee and project director member of State TB control society
State TB officer is a member of AIDS executive committee and Project Director of AIDS Control Society is a member of State TB control society.


VII. State HIV–TB Co–ordination Committee
Purpose
It reviews the performance of HIV TB activities in the state, formulate strategies for strengthening HIV TB co–ordination activity, and provide technical guidance for implementation of the activities in the state.

Government Resolution
The Government Resolution for the establishment of the State Co–ordination Committee is in the process of amendment as per the Revised NACO guidelines.

Members
Chairman: Addl. Chief Secretary (Public Health).
Vice Chairman: Director General Health Services.
Vice Chairman: Executive Health Officer (BMC).
Member Secretary: Addl. Project Director (MSACS).

Member
Director Medical Education and Research.
Project Director (MSACS).
Project Director (MDACS).
Project Director (AVERT Society).
Deputy Director TB–BCG.
Director State TB Training and Demonstration Centre, Nagpur.
Director (Health), Central Railways.
Director ESIS.
Deputy Director–VCTC (MSACS).
Deputy Director–VCTC (MDACS).
Deputy Director, Surveillance, MSACS.
Member Secretary (MDTCS)
Representative of Armed Forces
Representative of NGO working with NACP ––– Network of
Maharashtra Positive People (NMP+)
Representative of NGO working with RNTCP (Interaide)
State HIV–TB Consultant/Co–ordinator
HIV–TB Consultant (WHO)
RNTCP Consultant (WHO)

Terms of Reference

1. To review the status on training of health care providers in HIV/TB and formulate strategies for ensuring that all the health care providers are trained in HIV/TB.
2. To review the co–ordination between Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) and Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) and formulate strategies for strengthening VCTC and RNTCP Coordination.
3. To review the participation of NGO’s and Private Medical Practitioners implementing NACP/RNTCP in the HIV/TB Co–ordination and formulate strategies for ensuring involvement of NGO’s and Private Medical Practitioner.
4. To ensure and review the participation of Institute providing care and support to HIV/AIDS patients in RNTCP.
5. To ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent the spread of TB in facilities caring for HIV/AIDS.
6. To ensure the prevention of spread of HIV through safe injection practices in RNTCP.
7. To ensure confidentiality of HIV status is maintained.
8. To take policy decisions for the implementation of HIV/TB activities in the State.
9. To ensure co–ordination between (National Aids Control Pogram)NACP and RNTCP at district level.
10. To ensure development of effective IEC material and IEC Strategy on HIV/TB.
11. To ensure optimum co–ordination in the delivery of DOTS and ART.

How often it meets
Initially the committee used to meet once in six months, now it is scheduled to meets once in three months, as per the revised guidelines of National AIDS Control Organisation(NACO).

VIII. District Co–ordination Committee (HIV–TB)
Purpose
Ensures the implementation of HIV–TB activities and reviews the performance of HIV–TB activities in the district.

Government Resolution
The Government Resolution for the establishment of the District Co–ordination Committee is in the process of amendment as per the Revised NACO guidelines.

Members
Chairman: Collector.
Co–Chairman: CEO.
Vice–Chairman: Civil Surgeon.
Member Secretary: District TB Officer.

Member
City TB Officer.
MO–Incharge VCTC.
HOD–Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dept of the hospital providing.
PPTCT Services (MO–Incharge of PPTCT).
Dean Medical Colleges (if any).
Medical Officer Incharge of ART Delivery site.
MO–STD.
District Health Officer.
District Publicity Officer.
Representative of NGO working with NACP – NGO’s attached to
VCTC for outreach activities or NGO working with PLHA or
a Targeted Intervention NGO.
Representative of NGO working with RNTCP.

Terms of References

1. To ensure and review the co–ordination between VCTC and RNTCP.
2. To ensure and review the participation of NGO’s and Private Practitioner implementing NACP/RNTCP in the HIV–TB co–ordination.
3. To ensure and review the participation of Institutes providing care and support to HIV/AIDS patient in RNTCP.
4. To ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent the spread of TB in facilities caring for HIV–AIDS.
5. To ensure that prevention of spread of HIV through safe injection practices in RNTCP.
6. To ensure Confidentiality of HIV related information.
7. To develop strategies for strengthening the HIV–TB co–ordination.

How often it meets
Meetings are held every quarter.


IX. Training of RNTCP and NACP staff, NGO’s and General Health Care Staff
One of the pre–requisites for effective implementation of cross–referral system, is to train the staff directly involved in the programme i.e. Counsellors, Medical Officer VCTC, District TB Officer, Medical Officer–TB Control, TB treatment supervisor, TB Laboratory Supervisor and the Lab Technician of the DMC.

The objective of training NACP staff in RNTCP is to enable them to understand and be able to apply principles of diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and reporting under RNTCP. Similarly the RNTCP staff if trained in HIV/AIDS will be able to understand and apply principles of HIV prevention and AIDS control, and specific concerns about diagnosis of TB in HIV–infected persons, about TB treatment in HIV–infected persons, and about the need for confidentiality. Further both the staff should be aware about the specific infection control measures to be taken for preventing the spread of TB and HIV infection.

One training was not sufficient, repeated discussion at individual programme reviews, joint review meetings were done. Supervisory visits helped to identify centre specific problems and resolve the issues.

Training of NACP staff
The NACP staff trained includes the Nodal Officers for HIV/AIDS, Medical Officers Incharge of VCTC and VCTC Counsellors. A two days training programme coupled with a field visit to Microscopy and DOT centre for District Nodal Officer and MO–VCTC. For Counsellors either one day training was taken or integrated into their basic induction training.

The training programmes for all the NACP staff started with the discussion on the need for HIV–TB Collaboration, Principles of RNTCP, Diagnosis and Treatment of TB. For the DNO’s and MO–VCTC, this was followed by lectures on Special issues in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV–TB patient, Infection Control Measures for TB and HIV, Anti–retroviral and anti–tuberculosis treatment. Initially when we did the training for the first time we took the participants for a field visit to Microscopy Centre and DOT Centre, but later on realised that we should take them to a VCTC also. Thus in the subsequent training programmes the participants were taken to VCTC also. Also three years back when we did the trainings, there were no operational guidelines for VCTC–RNTCP co–ordination, but as we became clearer on how to co–ordinate, this session was included in the training programme. The MO–VCTC were explained in detail about the reporting format and also given a feedback on the reports received from their VCTC. For the VCTC Counsellors, initially we took training only on aspects related to TB and explained them about reporting format. As we started implementing the programme we realised plenty of errors in reporting and understanding of the Counsellors and also with the field experience we realised the need to modify the training content. Initially we had done a separate one day training programme for Counsellors and subsequently the session on TB was integrated into their induction training curriculum. Now apart from the basic information on TB, we teach the counsellors how to fill the sputum requisition slip, Operationalisation of VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination, documentation –record keeping, monthly report.

We also had undertaken a pilot project for developing the monitoring system for VCTC–RTNCP Surveillance system. During this pilot project we had 2 days training for Counsellors and STS, who came for the training simultaneously. The initial part i.e. 1 and1/2 days modular training was done separately and for the second half day the Counsellors and STS were brought together for discussing the operationalisation of VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination. This greatly facilitated in establishing the co–ordination.

Training of RNTCP staff
The RNTCP staff trained includes the District TB Officers, MO–DTC, MO–TC and STS. Though STLS are not required to be trained as per action plan, we had trained the STLS too.

A two days training programme coupled with a field visit to VCTC for Medical Officers. The training programmes for all the RNTCP staff started with the discussion on the need for HIV–TB Collaboration, Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, HIV Counselling and Testing Centre. For the DTO’s, MO–DTC and MO–TC, this was followed by discussion on Special issues in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV–TB patient and Infection Control Measures for TB and HIV.

The training for DTO’s was taken for 2 days in the lecture form coupled with a field visit to VCTC. For the MO–DTC/MO–TU and STS/STLS, training was 2 days of modular training along with refresher training on TB. The Medical Officers were taken for a visit to VCTC. For the STS/STLS a module –‘VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination’ was jointly prepared by Maharashtra State TB Control Society and State AIDS Control Society. Facilitators Guide was prepared. For the Medical Officers, the training module on HIV/AIDS prepared by NACO was converted into module by adding exercises at the end of chapter. Chapters on Operationalisation of VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination, Anti–TB and ART and Role of MO–TU were added. A Facilitator guide and supplementary training material was prepared by the State TB Society and AIDS Control Society.

Training of General Health Care staff
Training of General Health Care Staff is an ongoing activity. In Mumbai some training programmes for Medical Officers and paramedical staff of Public Health Department have been conducted. Since most of the Medical Officers and paramedical staff were already trained on HIV–TB only relevant aspects have been included. In rest of the Maharashtra, through the training on Clinical Management of HIV–AIDS, where a chapter on RNTCP has been added, Medical Officers are being trained. Similarly now in Mumbai, all trainings on HIV/AIDS for Medical Officers, Resident Doctors etc include discussion on TB.

Training of NGO’s
A one day joint sensitisation programme for both RNTCP and NACP NGO’s. In addition separate training programme for NGOs of TI was conducted at a later stage.

Training Material

• Training module on HIV–TB for District Nodal Officers and MO I/c VCTC’s –NACO publication.
• Training module on HIV–AIDS for Medical Officers –CTD publication.
• Treatment guidelines for TB in HIV infected –NACO/CTD publication.
• Standard Operative Procedures – Infection Control Measures – NACO publication.
• TB–HIV: A guide for Health worker – CTD publication.
• HIV–TB: A guide for Counsellors – NACO publication.
• The HIV–TB Co–infection– Programme Coordination guidelines for clinicians and standard operating procedures. – NACO/CTD publication.
• VCTC–RNTCP Operational Guidelines – Maharashtra State TB Society in collaboration with Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society and Mumbai District AIDS Control Society.
• Training Module for RNTCP Health Worker on HIV–TB, VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination– Maharashtra State TB Society in collaboration with Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society.

X. Establishment of VCTC–RNTCP cross–referral system
HIV voluntary counseling and testing has been shown to have a role in both HIV prevention and as an entry point to care. It provides people with an opportunity to learn and accept their HIV status in a confidential environment. VCTC has become an integral part of HIV prevention programs in many countries as it is relatively cost effective intervention in preventing HIV transmission. There is atleast one VCTC in each of the districts. These VCTC are located either in the Civil hospitals or Medical College. One – two Counsellors, one Laboratory Technician, staffs each VCTC. The activities of VCTC are under the supervision of Medical Officer designated as Incharge of VCTC. These VCTC Incharge are either the Pathologist or STD Medical Officer in case of Civil hospital and Microbiologist in Medical College.

Objective of Referral Linkage
The VCTC – DMC/DOT referral linkage was established with the objective of identifying TB suspects amongst VCTC clients and referring them to DMC for the early detection of TB and treatment initiation. Identification was done by the trained VCTC counsellors by asking for symptoms of TB, predominantly cough for more than three weeks. Second objective is to provide counselling and testing facility for TB patients referred by physician or health worker.

The national policy emphasizes on referrals from VCTC to DMC/DOT centres and HIV testing of TB patients is done only among those with symptoms/signs suggestive of HIV infection or history of high risk behaviour.

Process of referral from VCTC to RNTCP
The VCTC counsellors screen all clients at the time of pre–test counselling for symptoms of TB. If client is found to be chest symptomatic, client is referred to DMC for sputum examination by filling in the sputum examination form. Once the patient reaches the DMC, sputum examinations are done as per the protocol.

The patient is then referred to Medical Officer with the sputum results. Medical Officer will decide further management based on the sputum results and treatment is prescribed as per guidelines. Patient is referred to the nearest DOT centre for treatment.

In case of lymphadenitis, the patient is referred directly to the medical officer for diagnosis and treatment.

The counsellor gets feedback about the status on referral either from the patients themselves in few cases and definitely from the TB treatment supervisor.

Process of referral from RNTCP to VCTC
The Medical Officer refers known TB patients with symptoms/signs suggestive of HIV infection or high risk behaviour to the VCTC. At the VCTC the patient receives pre–test counselling, is tested for HIV after taking informed consent and receives the test result with post–test counselling. A few TB patients have come directly seeking VCT services on their own.

The feedback on HIV status is obtained by the physician from the patients themselves.

Issues related to cross–referral
While establishing referral linkage, one major issue was the issue of confidentiality. For TB diagnosis and treatment initiation, name and address is required whereas in the VCTC, the clients are not required to reveal name and address. There was reluctance on the part of VCTC to ask name and address. The VCTC programme officer and staff felt that confidentiality would be breached. But with repeated discussion, they were convinced that since the clients were being referred irrespective of HIV status, there would be no labeling of VCTC referral as HIV positive clients. Also during the referral to RNTCP, the counsellor is not required to mention the HIV status and in most of the cases the counsellor himself is not aware about HIV status of the client as the referrals are done at the time of pre–test counselling. HIV status is not mentioned in any of the RNTCP records like TB Laboratory Register, TB register, TB treatment card etc. As per NACO guidelines HIV status is revealed to client only, and they are encouraged to reveal the HIV status to the treating physician. Once the counsellors were convinced they were able to encourage their own clients about giving name and address. Now majority of clients reveal the name and address and only few of them are still reluctant.

Majority of the VCTCs have a DMC located in the same campus. The clients are mainly referred to DMC in same campus as VCTC, as most clients prefer to visit this DMC itself. Inspite of VCTC and DMC being in same campus, there was high drop–out of referrals initially. The counsellors then started accompanying the client to DMC, which has minimized drop–out.

A few VCTC especially those set up in an NGO facility, corporate sector do not have a DMC in same campus, in which case referral linkages are established to the nearest DMC.

Sometimes the patients travel a long distance to access VCTC, and if client is referred to the DMC situated in same campus as VCTC, the client has to travel once again for accessing DMC services. Therefore the counsellors are provided with directory of DMC, who then identifies and refers them to DMC nearest to their residence.

Reporting Format and System
The reporting format consisting of the line–list of referrals from VCTC to DMC/DOT centre and the monthly report. Considering the time taken for diagnosis, treatment initiation and TB registration, report is prepared after one month gap so that complete information is provided. e.g. Information on referrals in the month of July gets reported in September.

The documentation of referrals is integrated into the existing registers maintained by the VCTC and TB programe.

The line–list of referrals made from VCTC to DMC/DOT centre, is jointly prepared by the VCTC counsellor and the TB treatment supervisor. The first section is prepared by the counsellor and contains information on the name, address, age, sex, date of referral and name of DMC referred to. The first section is filled in by referring to the PID and Counselling Register. After completing the first section, the Senior TB treatment supervisor and counsellor, will jointly complete the second section, containing information on whether person has reported to DMC, sputum result, diagnosis, treatment category and date of starting treatment etc. For completing second section the STS and counsellor refer to the TB Laboratory Register, TB Register and Treatment for Referral Register. The STS of the Tuberculosis Unit, where the VCTC is located will co–ordinate with the Counsellor, and will be also responsible for getting the feedback from his colleagues if the referral has been made to other Tuberculosis Unit. On the basis of the completed line–list, the monthly report is prepared. The monthly report is prepared by each individual VCTC and consists of 4 section. First sections deals with information on new clients attending VCTC, HIV sero–positive amongst them and number of old clients. Second section deals with information on referrals from VCTC to DMC/DOT centre. Third section deals with information on TB patients tested for HIV at VCTC and last section deals with number of VCTC clients receiving information on TB. The monthly report is prepared by the VCTC Counsellor, by referring to the Counselling Register and the completed Line–List. VCTC’s give a copy of the monthly report including the completed line–list to the local District TB Officer. State AIDS control society compiles the information and sends a copy to National AIDS Control Organization, Central TB Division and State TB Office.


XI. Establishment of other referral linkages

1. NGO (TI) – RNTCP Co–ordination
   NGO’S implementing Targeted Interventions Project of National AIDS Control Programme can contribute significantly to the control of HIV and TB in India. NGO’s work with target population like Truckers, Commercial Sex Workers, Migrants, MSM (Men having Sex with Men) that are a high risk group for HIV. Targeted Intervention NGO’s participate in the Revised National TB Control Programme in two ways: – Identification and Referral of suspected TB cases to the RNTCP and Providing DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse) to the TB patients.
2. Community Care Centre – RNTCP Co–ordination
   We have been able to successfully involve one of the Community care centres in RNTCP. This community care centre’ Bel–Air’ is situated at Panchgani in Satara district. It has a Microscopy centre for Sputum examination. It also provides RNTCP for its inpatients as well for its outpatients. HIV positive patients with HIV are also being treated under RNTCP.
3. Drop–in–centre – RNTCP Co–ordination
   Drop–in–centres are another potential are for referral linkages. Two way referral system has been initiated.
4. PPTCT – RNTCP Co–ordination
   Efforts are being made to establish referral linkages between PPTCT and RNTCP diagnostic and treatment centres.
5. ART–DOT centre linkage
   Referral linkages have been established between ART and DMC/DOT centre. Efavirenz based ART regimen have been provided to ART centres for the simultaneous administration of ART and ATT regimens, if need be.

XII. Infection Control Measures
All DTO’s have been provided with book on Standard Operative procedures – Infection Control Measures published by NACO, and the topic was discussed during training. Guidelines for prevention of nosocomial transmission of TB to HIV infected persons have been issued to all the Government hospitals by Directorate of General Health Services. The infection control committee of the hospital ensures safe disposal of hospital waste.

XIII. Sentinel Surveillance of HIV in diagnosed TB patients
The sentinel surveillance would provide point prevalence and identify trends of HIV prevalence amongst TB patients (which will be site specific). This information is of value in designing, implementing and monitoring public health programmes for the prevention and control of tuberculosis.

In the year 2004, sentinel surveillance for HIV in diagnosed TB patients was carried out in the Nashik and Mumbai. 400 new TB patients coming for first follow up examination were tested for HIV using the unlinked anonymous strategy. It was found that 5.75% of the TB patients were found to be HIV sero–positive in Nashik and 11% in Mumbai.

XIV. Monitoring and Supervision
State level

1. Monthly Report of VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination
   The VCTC’s submit a monthly report on HIV–TB related activities, which are compiled by AIDS Control Society and sent to NACO, CTD and STO. In case reports are not received letters are sent to the VCTC’s. DTO/CTO is also informed. In case of errors in reporting the VCTC’s are immediately informed. Now with monthly counsellors meeting held at state level, any discrepancy in the line–list and monthly report is discussed immediately and corrected.
2. Quarterly Joint Regional Review Meetings
   Quarterly review meetings of VCTC–RNTCP staff have been initiated. These meetings are attended by the District/City TB Officers, Medical Officer Incharge VCTC. Each district’s performance on HIV–TB co–ordination is reviewed meticulously and actions for strengthening the HIV–TB co–ordination is discussed. These meetings have helped us to establish a rapport between the district level programme officers, understand their problems, bring about a sense of accountability into the programme officer and improve the co–ordination.
3. Quarterly Performance Report of VCTC and VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination
   The performance of each VCTC is reviewed for the activities related to Counselling, HIV testing and VCTC–RNTCP co–ordination. This performance report is prepared for each individual VCTC. Those indicators where the performance is poor is highlighted and a footnote at the end of the table specifies the reason for highlighting and the need for improving.
4. Individual Programme Review
   HIV–TB activities is one of the point for discussion in the Quarterly Review Meeting of DTOs and Monthly Review Meetings of counselors.
5. Supervisory visits by state level officer
   Supervisory visits by either of the state level programme officers to the VCTC–RNTCP Co–ordination sites.
6. State HIV–TB Co–ordination Committee meetings
   At the state level, the state co–ordination committee for TB–HIV under chairmanship of Secretary Health who is the administrative head of public health programme in the state reviews the performance once in 3–6 months.

District Level

1. Cross–Visits by RNTCP and VCTC staff
   At the field level the counsellors started visiting DMC, and the DTO and TB treatment supervisor visited VCTC. This has helped in establishing rapport, understanding each other’s programme and strengthened the co–ordination.
2. Fortnightly/Monthly Meeting
   The DTO in addition conduct fortnightly or monthly review between the VCTC and TB programme staff.
3. District Co–ordination Committee (HIV–TB) meetings
   Every quarter the regional director health, who heads the district co–ordination committee, reviews the performance, which has also contributed in strengthening the co–ordination.

XV. Constraints

1. There was an initial difficulty in establishing rapport, between VCTC and TB programme staff. With the help of joint review meetings, cross–visits to the centres and discussions, the rapport was built up.
2. In spite of the fact that the VCTC–DMC were located in same campus, and the counsellor accompanied the client, there was a drop–out of almost 10%.
3. Incorrect address by the patient probably because of fear of stigmatization has made it difficult to ensure that they are taking treatment.
4. Many clients attending VCTC, come from neighbouring districts, and were referred back to their district for treatment after diagnosis. Their treatment status could not be ascertained.
5. Information on number of TB patients referred from DMC–DOT centre was not collected, and therefore it is not known whether all those referred have accessed VCTC services.

XVI. Conclusion
VCTC is a potential entry point for TB services not only for HIV ser–positives but also sero–negatives. Having successfully established the referral linkage between VCTC–DMC–DOT centre, Referral linkages have been initiated between TB diagnostic and treatment services and Drop–in–centre, Community Care centres, Anti–retroviral treatment centres, NGO’s working with sex workers, truckers, migrants etc, and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Projects.

No additional financial burden incurred except for training as the available logistic supports like sputum examination forms for referral, DMC/DOT directory, IEC material and existing recording keeping system were used. Training and repeated discussions with staff is essential for initiating and strengthening the referral mechanism.

Referral Linkage has benefited both the programme. It has been possible to diagnose TB and initiate them on treatment at an early stage. TB patients with high risk behaviour and clinical features suggestive of HIV benefited by counselling and testing facility. Continuous supervision and monitoring by district and state level has strengthened and sustained the co–ordination.
Achievements of National Tuberculosis Control Programme
One State TB Society & 48 District TB Societies have been formed.
Detailed planning for implementation has occurred at the state & district level.
State TB Cell strengthened.
Two State Drug Stores have been established at Pune and Nagpur.
TU & MCs have been established as per the norm.
Civil Work of laboratories was completed.
Doctors, Laboratory technician and Health workers trained using high quality modular training. Appraisal teams from Government of India and National Institutes visited each and every district prior to service delivery to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Cure Rate of 87% and Case Detection of 66% of Sputum Positive cases has been achieved at the end of Dec 2004. Anganwadi workers, shop keeper, Sarpanch, religious leaders, dai, private pharmacist, private practitioners etc. are some of the examples DOT provider used effectively in various areas.

Performance – District Wise
District wise performance for II quarter of 2006


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District wise performance for IIIrd quarter of 2006


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District wise performance for IVth Quarter 2006


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District wise performance for Ist quarter 2007


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Scatter Diagram
Special Features of Programme

• Use of sputum testing as the Primary method of diagnosis among self reporting patients.
• Standardise treatment regimens.
• Augmentaion of the peripheral level supervision through the creation of a sub–district supervisory unit. A sub–district tuberculosis unit (TU) will be established in an existing CHC/Block PHC/Taluka Hospital which will function as managerial unit of the programme for 5 Lakh population (for 2.5 Lakh population in tribal area) and will consist of a designated medical officer Tuberculosis Control (MO–TC) who does tuberculosis work, a senior treatment supervisor (STS) and a senior Tuberculosis laboratory supervisor (STLS). For diagnosis one Microscopic centre (MC) will be located at PHC/CHC/Taluka Hospital for 1 Lakh population(50 thousand in tribal area).
  DOTS – Centres will be located at places convenient to the patients and providers and should generally be available atleast at the subcentre level so that patient need not travel more than 5 km.
  DOTS–will be provided by
  MPWs, TBAs, AWWs, CHVs, who will be made accountable.
• Ensuring a regular uninterrupted supply of drugs upto the most peripheral level.
• Augmentation of organizational support at central and state levels for meaningful coordination.
• Emphasise training, IEC, Operational Research and NGO Involvement in the programe.
• Increase budgetary outlay.
  DOTS – (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Chemotherapy).

Expected Community Participation
1) Community Participation as a DOTS Provider in RNTCP
Mumbai Municipal Corporation
Mr. Prem a 35 year old shopkeeper runs his Pan House at Nocil Naka Ghansoli which is a slum pocket under Urban Health Post Ghansoli. He started assisting the programme from beginning i.e.2001 and is one of our best DOTS provider till date. Prem has good knowledge in observing treatment. As a local person patients have respect for him and generally do not miss doses because his shop remains open from morning 6AM to 10 PM. He actively takes part in defaulter retrieval mechanism. Out of 58 patients of all categories at his center 50 patients have successfully completed treatment till date. He was selected our best DOTS provider for the year 2003.

2) Community Participation as a DOTS Promoter in RNTCP
Nashik District
Mr. Renukadas Manthekar, aged 50 years, residing at Tryambakeshwar, Dist., Nashik is working as a lifeguard at Kushavart lake. He was diagnosed as suffering from tuberculosis 3 years back and was registered and given DOTS treatment at Rural Hospital Tryambakeshwar. Now he is completely cured and is acting as DOTS promoter.

Every year, lakhs of people visit the Kushavart lake. Renukadas guides them over a loudspeaker and gives them instructions regarding swimming and bathing in the waters. Along with these instructions, he also gives them information regarding TB and DOTS. He actively takes part in case detection by sending tuberculosis suspect cases to the Rural Hospital for confirming diagnosis and putting on DOTS. Due to his efforts, 12 patients suffering from tuberculosis have successfully completed treatment till date.

Role of NGOs
Involvement of NGOs in RNTCP
NGO’s are involved in RNTCP in 5 schemes as follows


Involvement of PPs in RNTCP
Private Practitioners are involved in RNTCP in following schemes


Important Health Education Messages
Tuberculosis is curable
Tuberculosis is not hereditary.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease.

Tuberculosis spreads through sputum and cough.

Persistent cough is an important symptom of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is completely curable with regular and complete treatment.

DOTS – sure cure for TB.

Facilities for diagnosis and treatment are available free of cost at all Govt. health facilities.

Avoid spitting indiscriminately. Practice good hygienic habits.

Role of Other Sectors
Involvement of ESIS
ESIS caters to large number of beneficiaries (over 40 lakhs including insured persons & their family members).
ESIS involvement enable access to diagnosis & treatment services under DOTS free of cost.
There will be universality in management of TB patients in the Government sector – will prevent default from the treatment.

Current status
Directives issued by ESIS–Commissioner for involvement of all ESIS health facilities in RNTCP.
Sensitization of ESIS –Commissioner, Director & all chest physicians & Medical Superintendents completed.

Medical College involvement – Present Status
38 Medical Colleges involved in RNTCP.
Medical Colleges with TU – 3.
Medical Colleges with MC cum DOT center – 32.
Medical Colleges with DOT center –3.

Activities initiated

• First zonal workshop for involvement of Medical Colleges was held at LTM Medical College, Mumbai.
• State Task force established & first meeting held in July 2003.
• All Medical Colleges formed Core committees.
• Training/Sensitization of Core team members begun & will be completed before December 2003.
• All District TB Officers to visit medical Colleges in their area, appraise core team members for establishing Microscopy cum DOT Center.

What core committees will do?

• Core committee will meet once in a month & co–ordinate with RNTCP to ensure.
• Establishment of microscopy & DOT center in all the Medical Colleges.
• Practice of 3 sputum examinations for all chest symptomatics referred.
• Maintaining only one laboratory register.
• Up–gradation of laboratory through DTCS wherever required.
• Orientation & sensitization of faculty members to ensure internal referrals of all chest symptomatics for diagnosis & treatment as per RNTCP guidelines.
• Training of program staff whenever required.
• Involvement in quality assurance network through Microbiology department.
• Consultation & management of difficult cases.
• Ensure availability of DOT directory of district & TU directory of state at the DOT Center for prompt & accurate referral of cases.
• Display of IEC material at OPD’s & Health education to all patients attending OPD.
• Teaching & training of paramedical staff, NGO’S, Railways, Private practitioners etc.
• Ensure Co–ordination between Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) & MC cum DOT Center.

Impact
Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program.

All services are free under DOTS.

Over 35000 patients are now being diagnosed and put on treatment each quarter.

Treatment success rates are more than 85%.