Evidence

The USAID-initiated Tuberculosis Health Action and Learning Initiative (THALI) is aimed at assisting TB control efforts in major Indian cities, to achieve the goal of a TB-free India. This study maps TB health facilities in three health districts (Hazi, Tangra and Maniktala) of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The objective was to understand stakeholder perspectives, vis-a-vis both demand and supply of TB diagnosis, care and reporting. This study achieved the following objectives: (i) identified and mapped public and private health care providers, including pharmacies and diagnostic centers, (ii) documented TB care and notification mechanisms, profile of TB services, challenges faced by providers in complying with the Standards of TB Care in India (STCI), (iii) studied the health seeking behaviour of communities in each of the three identified areas. The study provides recommendations especially for private health providers to facilitate greater efficacy and reach within the communities. This study can prove helpful to public and private providers of TB care services in other parts of the country as well.