In which year was RNTCP launched?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was launched by the Government of India in 1997.
This was a revitalization of the earlier National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) from 1962, which had shown low success rates.
The cornerstone of RNTCP was the adoption of the WHO-recommended DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy to ensure patient compliance and improve cure rates.
The program was rolled out in phases across the country, starting from 1997.

Option B: This year is incorrect. While the RNTCP was expanding during this period, 2002 does not mark the initial launch of the program.
Option C: This year is incorrect. By 2000, the RNTCP was already in its third year of phased implementation across various parts of India.
Option D: This is a significant year for RNTCP but it is not the launch year. It is a common distractor for this reason.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Launch Year of National Health Programmes in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are central to the success of the TB control program (now NTEP). They are responsible for identifying suspected cases, ensuring patients take their medication under direct observation (DOTS), educating patients and families about the disease and treatment adherence, and monitoring for adverse drug reactions.
The DOTS strategy significantly improved treatment outcomes and is a key public health intervention that nurses help implement at the community level.
What if the question asked about the goal to eliminate TB in India? The answer would be 2025. The RNTCP was renamed the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) with the ambitious goal of ending TB in India five years ahead of the global target of 2030.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'RNTCP' and 'launched'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of major public health programs in India.
Recall the timeline of TB control in India. The original program (NTP) started in 1962. The 'Revised' program (RNTCP) was formulated in 1993.
Differentiate between the formulation date (1993), the phased launch date (1997), and the date of full nationwide coverage (2006).
The question specifically asks for the 'launch' year.
Select the option that corresponds to the official launch year, which is 1997.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 102-104

Practise the full DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.