Assessing the Operationalization of Patient-Provider Support Agencies Supporting the Private-sector Tuberculosis Patients in an Eastern Indian State

Abstract Introduction: Patient-Provider Support Agencies (PPSAs) are the intermediary agencies that provide end-to-end tuberculosis care for private-sector patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the operationalization of the PPSA in Odisha. Materials and Methods: A blended approach with qualitative descriptive method followed by analysis of Nikshay portal data to corroborate the primary findings. Results: The Nikshay data analysis reveals that the districts have been consistently doing well in achieving the notification targets; in 2023, the state has achieved 100.5% of the total notification target, and the treatment outcome has been more than 90% during the implementation period. In addition, the Focus Group Discussion revealed that the PPSA model is effective in providing private-sector notification, public health action, and other support services to private-sector patients. The district officials also suggested strategies to improve operational efficiency. On the other hand, the PPSA representatives revealed that there were early implementation challenges; however, with the support of the district officials, they could manage to overcome and function effectively in the district. Conclusion: The PPSA is an effective model of private-sector engagement; however, for improved operational efficiency, the PPSA needs to revisit the structure, and operational aspects need to be modified as well.