Treatment default and premature discontinuation of treatment continue to be major constraints for the successful implementation of the NTP. In order to assess the influence of motivation in overcoming this problem and improving patient compliance, a study was conducted at three of the major centres, namely, DTC, Vellore, and general hospitals at Gudiattam and Vaniyambadi in Tamil Nadu. All new smear-positive patients initiated to treatment between October, 1987 and April, 1989 were admitted to the study. In all, 278 patients were motivated. There was an increase in treatment completion rate among patients who had motivation initially. This was more evident in patients who had repeated motivation.