Challenges of Tuberculosis Control through Private Practitioners

Setting: Privately practicing doctors trained in modern system of medicine in East Delhi area. Objective: To ascertain the practices pertaining to diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis&utilization of RNTCP by private practitioners. Method: Quantitative data were obtained using a semi- structured interview schedule administered to 102 private practitioners trained in modern system of medicine, while qualitative data were obtained from key informant interviews (government functionaries) that focused on experiences regarding PPP in RNTCP. Results: Data reveal that patients are started on ATT without baseline laboratory confirmations, record keeping is scanty & lack of trust in government run PPP schemes. Conclusion: To improve private participation, network of accredited TB laboratory laboratories is needed along with bi directional treatment referrals.