To increase access to diagnostic services, NTEP has a provision for sputum collection centres in areas where the health facility is not equipped with key requirements to conduct sputum microscopy, molecular tests, drug susceptibility testing or follow up examinations.

Sputum collection centres are dedicated locations where sputum samples are collected, packaged and then transported to nearby TB diagnostic centres. It could be attached to any near-by health-facility as well.

Requirements of a Sputum Collection Centre

The Medical Officer Designated Microscopy Centre (MO-DMC) at a Primary Health Facility is appointed from the General Health System. The MO-DMC is responsible for activities at DMC under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Key Responsibilities of MO-DMC include

1. Screening and diagnosis

·        Clinical examination of all TB cases should be done by the MO. 

• Egyptian mummies, dating back to 2400 BC, reveal skeletal deformities typical of tuberculosis; characteristic of Pott's lesion.
• In Ancient Greece, TB was called Phthisis. Hippocrates described Phthisis as a fatal disease and accurately defined its symptoms and characteristic tubercular lung lesions.
• In 1700s, TB was called “the white plague” due to the paleness of the affected patients.
• In 1793, the Scottish pathologist, Matthew Baille named the caseous necrosis, "cheese-like", phthisic abscesses as "tubercles".

Assessment and follow up strategies for TB patient

Concept of treatment providers and treatment supporters, NTEP staff for Treatment initiation and activities for treatment initiation

Describe the FDC formulations that are being used for DSTB Treatment and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

Discuss the IP and CP phases of treatment.

Explain different treatment regimen and courses of drugs.

Enumerate the different first line anti-TB Drugs that are used and their function.

Roles of various stakeholders in IPC