Health seeking behaviour of tuberculosis patients--role of the private practitioner
Wilson, N.; Perumal, M.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 101(3): 169-170
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 14603967 Document Number: 251200
India accounts for nearly 30% of the global tuberculosis burden. The goal of the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) is to cure at least 85% of new smear positive cases of TB and detect at least 75% of such patients. There are many reasons for patient delaying seeking healthcare. A Private Practitioner plays a major role in combating the disease but unfortunately the doctor-delay is more than patient-delay. Still patients seem to prefer Private Practitioners and they are often the first point of contact for a significant number of patients with TB.