In hard-to-reach areas a significant proportion of patients are not tested for TB because the Designated Microscopy Center (DMC) is located far away and public transport is often inadequate. Furthermore, there is no dedicated sputum transportation mechanism at the primary-care level.
Thus, having a dedicated sputum collection and transportation mechanism at these hard-to-reach PHC is critical for TB treatment and control.
The Tuberculosis Health Action Learning Initiative (THALI) worked with the government to increase diagnostic services at 13 remote sub- centers in West Bengal, in line with India’s Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).
This document highlights the three-pronged approach developed to train health providers; increase sputum collection during facility and home visits, and improve sample transport, patient referral and monitoring related to microbiological testing and chest X-ray services.
The document includes a detailed flow chart on sputum collection and transportation in hard-to-reach areas. John Snow India. 2019.
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