The TRC, Madras, undertook a sample survey in rural (18,395 persons), urban (17,409 persons) and metropolitan areas (37,290 persons) to identify the chest symptomatics as defined in the NTP. The symptomatics were interviewed by medical social workers to obtain information about the action taken for relief, the type of health facilities utilised and the reason for the choice. Questions were also asked to find out the symptomatics' knowledge about TB. Based on an analysis of the results, more than 80% of the symptomatics were aware, over 75% had taken action, although most had no idea about its causation. Yet, more than 90% had contacted health facilities of which one-half were governmental.