Accreditation of Private Labs for Quality Participation by Private Practitioners in Rntcp: A Cross Sectional Study

Setting: Privately practicing doctors trained in modern system of medicine in East Delhi area

Objective: To determine the reliance on sputum microscopy as ordered by private medical practitioners for diagnosis of pulmonary Koch's as well as monitoring their progress

Method: Quantitative data was obtained using a semi- structured interview schedule administered to 102 private practitioners trained in modern system of medicine who were registered with the East Delhi Branch of Indian Medical Association as listed in its Directory 5th Edition. Corresponding qualitative data was obtained from key informants through interviews of government functionaries that focused on their experiences regarding PPP in RNTCP.

Results: It was found that although 50% of private doctors considered three consecutive sputum examinations for acid fast bacilli (AFB), as their most reliable criteria to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis but this was actually carried out on only 38% of the patients. Various contributing factors cited being, inadequacy of laboratory services in terms of number as well as reliability, poor patient paying capabilities, lack of time and ignorance with the patients and medical practitioners

Conclusion: Network of accredited laboratories can increase reliance on sputum microscopy as the diagnostic&treatment tool.