In the light of these observations, GOI formulated RNTCP comprising of the five internationally accepted principles of DOTS. This was pilot tested in 1993 on a population of 2.35 million in 5 districts. These pilot studies demonstrated the operational feasibility of the RNTCP in a country like India known for its wide and varied terrain, large population, different languages and culture.

Despite the initial long preparatory period, the programme has now demonstrated to the world at least four things:

Today, the programme is implemented covering a population of more than 425 million. By the end of this year, this coverage is expected to be around 450 million increasing upto at least 500 million by next year. Future expansion plans are to cover 800 million by 2004 and the whole country as soon as it is operationally feasible. With the continued enthusiasm and zeal, I am confident that we will be one of the few countries in the world to have an effective TB control programme equipped to fight even the onslaught of the HIV TB epidemic and the threat of MDR-TB.

Many of the achievements made by the programme today are because of the due priority given to the programme as well as the commitment of all those involved in the programme at all levels - Central/ State and District. The success of the programme has enhanced the morale of the STOs, DTOs and other field workers who are now working in a dedicated manner with renewed zeal and enthusiasm. I will be failing in my moral duty if I do not attribute the internationally recognised success of the Indian programme primarily to Dr S.P. Agarwal, DGHS for his deep involvement and commitment to the programme. In my five decades of working in government and non-governmental sectors, I have never experienced a unit as remarkable as the CTD, under the energetic leadership of Dr G.R. Khatri. Dr. Khatri and his unit are in the office, working for the success of the programme, until late in the night virtually every night, and on most weekends as well. They are working with missionary zeal 365 days a year. I think they may also dream about TB. I see good prospects if the enthusiasm and zeal is sustained and if all of you here can imbibe that spirit. With increasing support from medical colleges and other stakeholders in the health sector, the achievements can be even further improved.

I wish fruitful discussions in the ensuing two days. I wish all of you success in your missions.