PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL IN A TRIBAL DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Introduction: In India, the private sector caters about seventy percent of TB patients. The majority of private practitioners (PPs) are not updated with current National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) guidelines resulting in wrong diagnosis and treatment leading to irrational use of the anti-tuberculosis drugs favoring the emergence and spread of drug resistance. Objectives: 1)To assess the knowledge of PPs about diagnosis and management of tuberculosis as per NTEP guidelines 2)To know the difficulties faced by PPs during the treatment of TB patients and measures to address them as per their perspective. Methodology: Study design & study setting:- a cross-sectional study was undertaken in a tribal district of Maharashtra. 86 PPs interviewed with the help of a structured questionnaire and later conducted focused group discussion (FGD). The data was analyzed with percentages and proportions. Results: The majority 65(75%) of PPs had knowledge about NTEP guidelines but only 21(25%) PPs were updated with the latest changes in the program. PPs expressed concern over the non-availability of diagnostics for extra-pulmonary TB, occasional shortage of drugs, unawareness of patients about the gravity of the disease, and treatment compliance. To address it, they felt the need for awareness activities on social media continuously, round-the-clock services for investigations, incentive for successfully completing treatment to patients along with timely updating PPs about recent updates on NTEP. Conclusion: Continuous quality training regarding basic knowledge and recent updates in NTEP for PPs should be imparted NTEP implementation at the district needs to be strengthened to overcome the difficulties mentioned by PPs.