Tuberculosis

REVISED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMME

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program was launched in India in 1992. The focus of TB treatment shifted from the patient to the caregiver. Sputum microscopy became the Gold Standard of TB diagnosis and Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse (DOTS) became an essential component of RNTCP. Mizoram implemented RNTCP in 2003 and Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT) erstwhile DOTS Plus in 2011.

The goal of RNTCP is to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with TB until it ceases to be a public problem and to cut the chain of transmission. These goals are achieved by the following objectives:

• To achieve and maintain Cure Rate of 85% among New Smear Positive patients.
• To achieve and maintain a Case Detection Rate of at least 70% of the expected New Smear Positive pulmonary TB cases among the community.

In basic RNTCP services, diagnosis is made by Sputum Microscopy. In Mizoram there are a total of 34 places where sputum can be examined. For PMDT services, diagnosis is made by a molecular method known as Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) which is placed in DR-TB Centre, Falkawn. This type of test takes approximately 2 hours only. The then TB Hospital located in Zemabawk has now been shifted to DR-TB Centre, Falkawn. However, only MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients are admitted because domiciliary treatment has been found to be as effective as sanatorium treatment for other TB patients except these two.

Aizawl District – DTC Aizawl, Presbyterian Hospital (Durtlang) MC, Aibawk MC, Sialsuk MC, Lengpui MC, Thingsulthliah MC, Saitual TU, Darlawn TU, Sakawrdai MC, Suangpuilawn MC, Kulikawn Hospital TU leh Aizawl Hospital MC.
Mamit District – DTC Mamit, Kawrthah MC,W. Phaileng MC leh Marpara PHC.
Kolasib District – DTC Kolasib, Vairengte MC.
Serchhip District – DTC Serchhip, N.Vanlaiphai MC, Thenzawl MC
Lunglei District – DTC Lunglei, Hnahthial TU, Tlabung MC, Serkawn Hospital MC
Lawngtlai District – DTC Lawngtlai, Chawngte MC, Sangau MC.
Saiha District – DTC Saiha, Tuipang MC
Champhai District– DTC Champhai, Khawbung MC, Ngopa MC, Khawzawl MC

The different treatment regimens for Tuberculosis include the following categories:

• Category I : For New cases.
• Category II : For Previously Treated cases.
• Category IV : For Multi Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases.
• Category V : For Extensively Drug Resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases.

RNTCP offers a variety of honorarium to patients who have successfully completed treatment as well as to the voluntary DOT Providers who have diligently ensured that patients are taking regular treatment.