Calcutta Rescue has worked as a partner with the Government since 1999 in Kolkata, and in rural areas since 2003, to put into operation the Indian Government's new TB control programme, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP). This programme uses the WHO recommended protocol - DOTS ("Directly Observed Treatment – Short Course"), which is being implemented in a phased manner throughout India. The programme provides diagnosis, full course treatment for TB as well as health education and follow-up care. If required, patients may be referred to hospitals or nursing homes for in-patient care, including cardiac surgery, and dialysis which CR funds.

Urban DOTS Programme

In consultation with the Calcutta District TB Control Society (a local government agency) and local community groups, CR set up a DOTS clinic in Kolkata's Ward 3 Belgachia area, which currently treats 80 patients. CR provides a doctor, health workers, food and non-medical support with the TB Control Society supplying anti TB drugs and sputum microscopy for diagnosis.

Rural DOTS Programme

In April 2003, as a result of our successful track record, CR commenced treatment of tuberculosis (TB) with the DOTS initiative as per the guidelines of RNTCP, in partnership with the District TB Control Society in the rural areas of Tamuldah and Canning, in an area south of Kolkata, 24 Parganas South, where high unemployment and poverty abound. A team of CR health workers has been trained to use local facilities to help identify those in the community with TB. Once identified, TB patients receive a full course of treatment and follow up care as necessary under supervision of the field worker.

CR has treated over 1000 patients via the CR DOTS initiative, with more than 50 presently undergoing treatment.