Dr V.H Balasangameshwara, CMO, NTI.
Dr Rajendra Yadav & Dr Premila Borah, WHO RNTCP Medical Consultants.

Medical College can function as TB Unit or Microscopy Center, which may be located in Medicine/Chest Medicine/PSM Dept.

Separate Laboratory for Sputum AFB Microscopy.

Separate Lab Technician, preferably contractual.

Logistics and training by DTCs

Doctors in outdoor and indoor should be sensitized to refer chest symptomatics for sputum microscopy and use correct diagnostic algorithm.

This can be done through: circulars, posters, seminars, workshops, inter and intra departmental meetings (funded by DTCs and other sources).

One trained MO, preferably contractual, can act as a co-ordinator of RNTCP for categorization and monitoring of treatment.

Medical College Teachers can also be categorized after getting trained in RNTCP, if they so desire.

For patients from the locality of the Medical College: A TB-HV (contractual) can administer DOT at the College.

For patients from distant places: Directory and map (including that of neighboring states) should be provided to the RNTCP-Coordinator for referral to appropriate MC/DOT-Centers (RNTCP) and DTCs (non-RNTCP).

If the patient is from a RNTCP area: Start “intermittent” RNTCP regimen (CAT I, II or III) under the direct observation of ward nurse.

If the patient is from a non RNTCP area: Start “daily” SCC regimen (e.g. 2HRZE + 6HE) under the direct observation of ward nurse.

Existing formats of records and reports can be used.

The supervisors from the DTCs can co-ordinate the recording and reporting.

The reports may be communicated to the CTD, preferably electronically.

Co-ordination between Medical Colleges and RNTCP.

One Medical College, preferably a PG Medical College, should be selected for co-ordination of RNTCP work in Medical Colleges of the State.

This college can help in conducting “sensitization seminars/workshops” in all the Medical Colleges of the State, using funds from STCs.