Review of the National TB Control Programme

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Review of the National TB Control Programme

LOK SABHA Statement by the Health Minister.

Review of the programme is an ongoing activity, which is being done

regularly. The World Bank reviews the programme biannually along

with other donor partners. The last World Bank review mission came

in December 2007. In addition, the programme is reviewed externally

every three years by Joint Monitoring Mission comprising of

international experts from WHO, International Union Against TB and

Lung Diseases (IUATLD), World Bank, DFID, Netherlands TB Association

and CDC, Atlanta etc. Such reviews took place in the years 2000,

2003 and 2006.

The latest World Bank review in December 2007, observed that with

case detection and treatment success rate at 70% and 84%

respectively, Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) has

almost achieved the global targets of 70% case detection and 85%

treatment outcome of smear positive cases.

This highly satisfactory result is a proof of the professionalism and

dedication of RNTCP staff. The overall progress needs now to be

sustained and more attention should be devoted to poor performing

districts / states still below targets.

RNTCP has also made commendable progress in challenging areas like

TB/HIV collaboration where a good referral system has now been put in

place. The institutional strengthening process in Central TB

Division is proceeding well and collaboration with the National Rural

Health Mission (NRHM) is bearing fruit.

The targets fixed by the Government during the 10th plan period for

the National TB Control Programme have been achieved. Entire country

has been covered under DOTS Strategy by March 2006.

The international Joint Monitoring Mission (JMM) in October 2006,

has hailed it as the fastest expansion of DOTS in the world. The

target and achievements of case detection and cure rates in 10th five

year plan can be seen at Annexure. The performance of the programme

and its impact is being monitored regularly.

Till date, the RNTCP has placed more than 82 lacs patients on

treatment thus saving more than 14 lacs additional lives.

As per the WHO report 2007, the death rates due to TB have declined

from 42 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 29 per 100,000 population

in 2005 and prevalence of tuberculosis (old and new cases) has

declined from 570 cases per 100,000 population in 1990 to 299 cases

per 100,000 population in 2005.

Involvement of more than 260 medical colleges, more than 2500 NGO's,

150 corporate health facilities and more than 18000 private

practitioners in the implementation of RNTCP, has increased the

access of programme services. The programme is well on its way to

achieve MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) related to tuberculosis.

This information was given by the Minister for Health & Family

Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss in a reply to a question in the Lok

Sabha.

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