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AU |
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Radha Narayan |
TI |
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Changing perspectives of voluntary tuberculosis associations.
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SO |
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JOURNAL BENGAL TB ASSOCN 1975, 38, 129-130. |
DT |
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Per |
AB |
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Since 1850, voluntary organisations have largely
benefited victims of TB. In India, the joint family system provided
comfort and protection to the TB patient. However, there is an increased
awareness for the patient to receive such protection and assistance
from society as evidenced by the popularity of sanatoriums and other
types of care provided outside homes and families. Christian missionaries
took the initial step in providing systematised care of the tuberculous
in India followed by several non-governmental efforts. The formation
of the TAI in 1939 was a welcome centralised move on an all-India
basis which also served as a link to international TB organisations.
The Government of India provided active support to all voluntary
activities in the country while evolving statutory TB services.
The launching of the NTP in India was a turning point in the co-existence
of government and voluntary agencies in the common fight against
TB. The NTPs approach to consider TB as one of many illnesses
to be overcome within the GHS mobilised the services of thousands
of health workers throughout the country. As the government exercises
statutory powers over increasing areas of social services, there
is a need for reappraisal of the concept and activities of the voluntary
organisation. New ways by which the voluntary organisations can
support the NTP, particularly, with the emphasis on domiciliary
treatment, are recommended.
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KEYWORDS: VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION; TB ASSOCIATION; INDIA. |