Drug-resistant TB Service Linkages to Private Sectors

It is a well-known fact that although free, quality diagnostic, treatment and patient support services are available in the public health sector, a significant number of patients seek health services from the large, unorganized private health sector. 

Reaching out to these patients is important to:

• Deliver essential public health services to prevent the spread of disease and emergence of drug-resistance
• Support TB patients on treatment
• Address co-morbidities that adversely affect treatment outcomes 

Additionally, healthcare-seeking is also guided by the willingness on the part of the patient as well as the provider. 

A TB patient seeking care in the private sector should come in the purview of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) through notification or referral.

There are at least three different ways that programme officers can expand drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) treatment services using the Guidance Document on Partnerships. They are:

• DR-TB centre inpatient services
• DR-TB centre on an outpatient basis
• Provision of consultation charges for the private specialist to support public sector DR-TB centres in clinical management

Resources

• Guidelines for Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB in India, 2021
• Guidance Document on Partnerships, 2019

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