Health System and Policy Perspectives of Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Control in India

Abstract

Despite the lack of reliable information on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) epidemiology, research shows an increasing trend of MDR-TB incidence in India. Of several determinants attributable to the rising trend of MDR-TB, health systems and policy (HSP) determinants play a pivotal role. With this article, an attempt has been made to unravel the HSP challenges for the control of MDR-TB and recommend strategies to overcome that. Ten different strategies have been recommended in this article that includes operations research (OR), molecular epidemiological studies, drug susceptibility test (DST), surveillance system, advocacy communication and social mobilisation (ACSM), nutrition and livelihood support, contribution of private practitioners (PPs), human resources for health (HRH), social determinants of health and information systems. Methods of OR with the right technical expertise can help in decision-making and evaluation of the TB control programme. Molecular epidemiological studies further help identify the right strain and can help in institutionalising the right therapeutic regimen. Similarly, the DST allows extended treatment strategies, including second-line drugs. A proper surveillance system can enable the availability of the right information for public health decision-making. Communication enables and empowers the community in accessing health services and helps policymakers take informed decisions. Nutrition and livelihood support are essential in TB control as it mostly affects the poor and people in the productive age group. Further, tapping PPs is equally important as more than 50 per cent of TB patients visit them. Proper orientation of the PPs about the TB control programme is non-negotiable given these facts. The HRH issues are pertinent—staff members lack the required motivation owing to delay in payment of salaries and the lack of job promotion. The HRH form the backbone of any health system, as the mere presence of drugs, technologies and infrastructure do not suffice for the provision of healthcare. Attention on the neglected social determinants of health is required as well. Finally, all these suggestions need to be implemented in coordination with each other to bring down the scourge of MDR-TB in India.