| Considering the fact that role of NGOs in implementing the RNTCP is vital, and their role in health promotion in the community and many patients seek support in getting quality care and treatment, t he Central TB Division (CTD), GoI identified Blue Peter Research Centre of LEPRA Society as a referral laboratory under DOTS-plus(Cat IV) treatment initiative, in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh State Tuberculosis Society for AP. LEPRA Society supports the State and District TB societies in implementing the RNTCP through Microscopy and treatment centre -Scheme IV and TB Unit Model-Scheme V. Apart from this, LEPRA Society contributes to the program in implementing health education, outreach activities, provision of DOTS, referral for hospitalization and in conducting research.
LEPRA Society allocated funds for the year 2008 to the tune of Rs. 31 million (exclusively for TB work) from the total of 370 million for its operations in the 4 states in India.
LEPRA Society has significantly increased the budget for TB control activities. The government has recognised and appreciated LEPRA Society’s efforts and entrusted with more responsibility in running microscopic centres and managing DOIS programme among poorer communities. The projects partnership with private medical practitioners has led to increased case detection. There has been significant improvement in increased case detection and also follow-up of TB-HIV +ve co-infection cases. The conversion rate and cure rate of smear positive patients of all ht microscopic centres managed by the projects are satisfactory.
Besides the above, LEPRA was involved in activities such as capacity building and awareness generation, to the health care providers and the general population respectively in AP, MP, Orissa and Bihar. |
