Study on Economic Impact of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment of Patient Under DOTS Programme or Private Practitioner in a Rural and Urban Population

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The Revised National TB Control Programme(RNTCP), a state-run tuberculosis (TB) control initiative of theGovernment of India, has been very successful inimplementing the DOTS strategy in India. It is based onsputum smear diagnosis and a reliable supply of good qualitydrugs, both provided at no cost to the patient.Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, the data wascollected from 150 eligible patients during the period January2018 to July 2019, from a peripheral DOTS TB centre and 5private medical practitioners representing both private andgovernment clinics. 75 patients enrolled from private medicalpractitioners were not enrolled under RNTCP programme.Result: 150 patients were enrolled in this study. 75 patientswere enrolled in DOTS Programme in a Rural Dots Centrewhile remaining 75 were investigated and treated by privatepractitioners. Both groups of patients were given standardisedCategory 1 regimen. None of the patient had received previousTB treatment.Conclusion: This study concludes that reducing out-of-pocketcosts to patients may increase the access to the poor peopleand thus promoting the universal access of TB care servicesas well.