At present, Case-finding activity of tuberculosis through the self reporting chest symptomatics attending Peripheral Health Institutions, is at a low ebb. With the introduction of Multi Purpose Workers (MPW) scheme, a machinery has emerged through which this activity could be augmented. An operational study was therefore undertaken in five Primary Health Centres (PHCs) of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh in June 1978.

The study has revealed that if the MPWs collect sputum smears from the symptomatics of the age group of 20 years and above during their routine visits to each household of the specified population allotted to them and despatch the smears to the PHC for examination, there is a possibility of augmenting the existing Case-finding activity by 4 5 times. An intensive training of 2 3 days for this purpose seems adequate. The average work load for a MPW would be preparation of one smear a day initially for a couple of months and thereafter as a routine one smear a week. In an average PHC, the work load for the microscopist would be to examine 10 to 12 slides a day initially, the load will then progressively decline and subsequently as a routine it will not be more than 3 4 slides a day. An additional microscopist would probably be needed at PHC laboratory for examination of sputum smears as well as to assist the existing microscopist who at present is primarily engaged in malaria work. Meticulous supervision and regular flow of supplies and equipment is however a 'must' for the success of the scheme.