The National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) has been in operation since:

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) was launched by the Government of India in 1962.
Its primary objective was to control the spread of tuberculosis through a network of District Tuberculosis Centres (DTCs) established across the country.
This program focused on providing standardized diagnosis and treatment, although it later faced challenges with low treatment success rates, leading to its revision.

Option A: No major national TB program was initiated in 1982. The original NTP was already in place.
Option C: This year is incorrect. 1952 is historically significant for the launch of the National Family Planning Programme, the first of its kind in the world.
Option D: This is an incorrect year for the launch of the NTP. The program had been operational for a decade by 1972.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of National Health Programmes in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of TB control helps nurses appreciate the evolution of treatment strategies, particularly the shift to the DOTS strategy under RNTCP/NTEP, which they are responsible for implementing.
Nurses play a crucial role in the current National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) by identifying suspected cases, ensuring treatment adherence (DOTS), providing patient education, and managing records for surveillance.
What if the question asked for the launch of the 'Revised' program (RNTCP)? The answer would be 1993, which introduced the highly effective DOTS strategy to overcome the shortcomings of the original 1962 NTP.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the history of national health programs in India.
First, identify the specific program mentioned in the question: 'National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP)'.
Be careful to differentiate it from similar-sounding programs like the 'Revised' program (RNTCP) or the current 'Elimination' program (NTEP).
Access your knowledge base of major Indian public health initiatives and their launch years.
Select the option that matches the correct year for the original NTP.

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 14 August 2024

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