Tuberculosis notification: an inquiry among private practitioners in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area of Maharashtra, India

Abstract Background The Government of India implemented mandatory TB notification policy since 2012. After that India’s TB notifications from the private sector steadily increased; however, less is known about private practitioners’ (PP’s) experiences with TB notification. The present study aims to fulfil this gap. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study during November 2019 to March 2020 in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) area of Maharashtra State. We used a mixed methods approach which involved a survey of 200 PPs and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 7 PPs and 8 National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) staff. The data were presented in the form of frequencies and percentages and thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data. Results The study revealed that most PPs (194 of 200; 97%) were aware of TB notification and 75% reported that they notify TB cases to the NTEP. Of those who notify, majority (129 of 145; 89%) reported that they use paper-based notification being the convenient method due to in-person visit and help by the NTEP staff. Only a third of PPs were aware of electronic notification methods. The main reasons behind low utilization of web based and mobile application were unfamiliarity and technical issues such as poor network connectivity. A third of PPs were aware about monetary incentives for notification and only 17% reported actual receipt of incentive at some point. Conclusions Our study identifies several areas where the NTEP can undertake interventions to strengthen the implementation of mandatory TB notification policy. Low awareness about electronic notification methods and preference for paper-based notification in this peri-urban region suggest that more efforts are necessary for successful transitioning from paper-based to electronic notification system.