ABSTRACT
Traditionally, control of diseases of public health importance has been the responsibility of the public health sector in most countries. DOTSa
programs for tuberculosis (TB) control in all countries are designed by the public sector and are also implemented through the public sector outlets to a large extent. However, many care providers operate outside the public health sector. Furthermore, unlike some other public health programs, in TB control there is no major difference between what public health-care providers and private medical providers contribute. Both try to do the same: diagnose and cure TB cases. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of a significant proportion of all TB cases is a cornerstone of TB control. In view of this distinct overlap of service provision, leaving some care providers out of the TB control strategy could only be to the disadvantage of TB programs.
