Private-public mix: a prioritisation under RNTCP--an Indian perspective

Success of the public directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) programmes have been widely reported from various parts of the world and have been described from the Indian subcontinent as well. But, it is being increasingly realised that further DOTS successes can take place only by ensuring a private sector participation under the programme. While discussing behaviour-profile of patients, this review enumerates possible reasons for their averseness of a public health facility and preference for a private health. facility. Similarly, behaviour-profile of private health providers brings out the discrepancies in their clinical practices. Both types of profiles are supported with the studies from India and abroad. A comparison is drawn between available services of the public and private health facilities, with a focus on the need for prioritisation of a private-public mix (PPM) in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). Furthermore, the salient features of schemes recommended by the Directorate General of Health Services, New Delhi, for involvement of the private- practitioners, and the Non-Governmental Organisations are briefly outlined. The underlying obstacles for private sector participation in RNTCP and the projected solutions so as to effect a private-public mix in the Revised Programme are also dealt with. A description of few operating models, trying in the best possible manner to bring about a private sector participation in programme, is presented to make the readers aware of the efforts going on in that direction within the country. The private health sector, easily being a patient's first choice, needs to be integrally involved in RNTCP on a priority basis, feasibility of which, has been successfully documented in the operational trials conducted within the country so far.