Improved TB Services in Tamil Nadu: Survey Finds Increased Patient Satisfaction and Early Treatment

Chennai: Quality of tuberculosis care and services improved in several govt TB units in six districts, as more people got results and treatment early, got access to healthcare facilities, and tested patients after completion of the treatment course, a survey showed.The results of the survey done in Vellore, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Trichy were released by state health secretary Supriya Sahu. Reach trained 644 tuberculosis survivors to meet patients who visited government-run TB units to identify gaps in services and quality using structured tools. These problems were reported to officials who will identify potential solutions and implement them.In four years, 17,472 TB patients provided feedback to trained TB survivors. "The process had a direct impact on the quality of TB services and care given to patients," said Reach director Dr Ramya Ananthakrishnan. For instance, the proportion of people with TB who got their test results within three days of giving their sample went up by 15 percentage points to 93% from 78%, and the proportion of people with TB who were initiated on treatment within three days after diagnosis went up by 18 percentage points to 98% from 80%. While almost all patients said they were able to locate healthcare providers, 99% of them said they met staff within half an hour of visiting the health facility.The biggest improvement was seen in the proportion of family members counselled on preventive treatment and the number of people who were aware of the TB helpline number. At least 63% of family members of TB patients said they were counselled on preventive therapy in June 2024, a 51% improvement from the baseline in June 2022. Preventive therapy will cut down transmission rates among close relatives and contacts.In the final year, a comprehensive assessment tool was added to additionally assess people with TB for vulnerabilities. A total of 4,567 TB patients were interviewed. Analysis showed 3.8% had anaemia, which is higher among women (6.4%), 9% had hypertension, and 25.6% had diabetes. Around 13% of people with TB reported having a habit of smoking or alcohol consumption. At least 2% of the people surveyed had some disability. Among people with disabilities, at least 8% developed a disability during their treatment. While more than half the people with disabilities wanted transportation support, nearly 40% of the elderly wanted attendants to accompany them during health visits. At least 20% faced challenges in carrying out daily activities, 27% had trouble walking, 35% had discomfort, and 31% suffered anxiety.Health secretary Sahu said community inputs and involvement will help strengthen policies and the fight against TB.