REVISED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAM (RNTCP)
INTRODUCTION
• The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) is the strengthened version of the
original National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP), which was launched by the Government
of India in 1962.
• The NTCP was based on recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research after
national TB surveys between 1955 and 1958.
• Although technically sound, the program failed due to weak organization, insufficient funding,
irregular drug supply, poor patient follow-up, and lack of supervision.
• In 1993, the Government of India introduced RNTCP as a pilot project using the WHO-
recommended DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy.
• After successful implementation, the program was expanded in phases, and by 2006, it covered
the entire country with the goal of achieving universal access to TB care.
OBJECTIVES OF NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAM
• The program aims to detect tuberculosis cases early and begin effective treatment to stop
transmission and prevent complications.
• It seeks to achieve high coverage of BCG vaccination among infants to reduce the incidence of
severe childhood tuberculosis.
• It works to reduce the burden of tuberculosis so that it is no longer a major public health problem
in India.
• The objective includes reducing the number of smear-positive TB cases to less than one per 1,000
population to control the spread of infectious TB.
• It also aims to reduce the death rate in children under 14 years due to TB from 13% to less than
5% through early identification and appropriate care.
ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
• At the central level, the National Tuberculosis Institute (NTI) in Bengaluru and the
Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC) in Chennai provide technical support, training, and
guidance under the Directorate General of Health Services.
• Each state has a State TB Officer who coordinates TB control activities through TB training
centres and assigns supervisors and laboratory staff to ensure program success.
• At the district level, the District TB Control Program oversees TB units located in health
institutions, which are responsible for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients.
• Peripheral health institutions such as primary health centres and hospitals conduct sputum testing,
initiate treatment, and carry out directly observed therapy.
• This three-tier structure ensures efficient planning, supervision, and service delivery across the
national, state, district, and local levels.
TUBERCULOSIS / HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) COORDINATION
• RNTCP works in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to reduce
TB mortality among people living with HIV/AIDS.
• TB-HIV coordination began formally in 2001 and includes intensified case finding,
cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT), antiretroviral therapy (ART), and airborne infection
control measures.
• All HIV-positive TB patients are provided ART regardless of their CD4 count to improve survival
and reduce co-infection risks.
• The program continues to strengthen collaboration, improve service integration, and build
systems for better tracking and reporting of TB-HIV co-infected patients.
STRATEGIC VISION TO MOVE TOWARDS UNIVERSAL ACCESS
• The strategic goal of RNTCP is to ensure universal access to high-quality TB care for every
individual in need.
• This involves expanding services, using rapid diagnostic methods, ensuring uninterrupted drug
supply, and involving private healthcare providers and communities.
• It also focuses on addressing challenges such as multidrug-resistant TB, TB-HIV co-infection,
and treatment adherence.
• Patient empowerment, reduced stigma, and improved treatment outcomes are central to this long-
term vision of a TB-free India.
NOTIFICATION OF TUBERCULOSIS CASES
• The Government of India has made it mandatory for all healthcare providers to notify TB cases to
health authorities such as the District Health Officer or Chief Medical Officer.
• This requirement helps in proper tracking, drug supply planning, and reducing the risk of
transmission and development of drug-resistant TB.
• Notification is done using prescribed formats and ensures that every patient receives standardized
treatment and follow-up.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF REVISED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAM
• RNTCP achieved nationwide coverage by March 2006 and has maintained cure rates of over
85% for new TB cases.
• The program has ensured free and standardized treatment to millions of patients across urban and
rural areas.
• It successfully integrated private sector and NGOs into TB care through public-private
partnerships and community engagement.
• It has expanded diagnostic capacity through Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
(CBNAAT) and Line Probe Assay (LPA) for faster detection of TB and drug resistance.
• The program continues to upgrade its strategy in line with international best practices to eliminate
TB as a public health threat.
