Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program is the state-run tuberculosis control initiative of the Government of India. RNTCP incorporates the principles of directly observed treatment-short course (DOTS). DOTS is a systematic strategy which has five components:
- Political and administrative commitment: Since TB can be cured and the epidemic reversed, it warrants the topmost priority, which has been accorded by the Government of India.
- Good quality diagnosis: Good quality microscopy allows health workers to see the tubercle bacilli and diagnose properly.
- Good quality drugs: An uninterrupted supply of good quality anti-TB drugs must be available. RNTCP provides a box of medication for the entire treatment for every person registered.
- Supervised treatment to ensure the right treatment: The RNTCP uses the best anti-TB medications available in a right way.
- Systematic monitoring and accountability: Standard recording and reporting system, and the technique of cohort analyses are used to keep an account of every person treated.
The second phase on RNTCP which includes DOTS expansion and enhancement, addressing TB-HIV, MDR-TB and other challenges, contribution to health system strengthening, involvement of all health care providers, engaging people with TB, and affected communities and involving in research have strengthened the program and have contributed towards eradication of TB.
The program thus provides, free of cost, quality anti-tubercular drugs across the country through the numerous Primary Health Centers and the growing number of private-sector DOTS-providers and thus benefiting the common man.