Enhancing tuberculosis case notifications through mapping sales of medicine in the private sector: a quasi-experimental study in Punjab province, Pakistan.

Introduction: In Pakistan, almost one-third of people who develop tuberculosis (TB) are missed by the National TB Program (NTP). A considerable number of people with TB receive treatment in the private sector but remain unnotified. This study documents the outcomes of an intervention to identify people with TB through private pharmacy engagement, building on mapping TB medicine sales in Punjab Province.

Effect of providing free sputum microscopy service to private practitioners on case notification to National Tuberculosis Control Program.

Background: This study was undertaken to see whether providing free sputum microscopy services to private practitioners helps in case notification to the national tuberculosis control program. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of these practitioners regarding tuberculosis were also evaluated.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered to all the private practitioners practicing in a densely populated area of Karachi.