When was DOTS strategy for tuberculosis introduced in India?

AIIMS CRE 2025

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS CRE 2025

Explanation

The Government of India revitalized its TB control efforts in 1993 after a review showed the previous program was ineffective.
This led to the formulation of the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), which officially adopted the DOTS strategy as its cornerstone.
According to official public health history, 1993 marks the initial introduction of the strategy into the Indian healthcare system, which was then implemented in a phased or pilot manner.
The national-level launch in 1997 was a scale-up of the strategy that was first introduced in 1993.

Option A: In 1980, the original National Tuberculosis Programme (launched in 1962) was still in effect. There were no major policy shifts or introductions of new strategies like DOTS in this year.
Option C: While 1997 is a significant year, it marks the official nationwide launch and large-scale expansion of the RNTCP and DOTS strategy, not its initial introduction.
Option D: By 2005, the DOTS strategy was already implemented in most parts of India and was approaching full nationwide coverage, which was achieved the following year.

Visual 1: Timeline Infographic - A visual timeline showing the key milestones in India's fight against Tuberculosis, from the NTP in 1962, RNTCP/DOTS introduction in 1993, national launch in 1997, to the current National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of Tuberculosis Control Programs in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of DOTS helps nurses appreciate its importance in achieving high cure rates (over 85%) and preventing the spread of drug-resistant TB.
A key nursing role in DOTS is patient education and supervision, ensuring patients take their medication correctly and completely. This direct observation is crucial for the strategy's success.
What if a patient on DOTS reports severe side effects? The nurse's priority is to assess the patient, hold the medication if necessary, and immediately report to the physician. Patient safety and managing adverse drug reactions are critical components of the program.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'introduction' of the DOTS strategy in India.
Recognize that major public health programs often have different key dates: a formulation/pilot date and a national launch date.
The word 'introduced' typically refers to the earliest point of inception or pilot implementation.
Evaluate the options. 1993 and 1997 are the most plausible dates related to the modern TB program.
Recall or deduce that the RNTCP was formed in 1993 and adopted DOTS. This makes 1993 the year of introduction, while 1997 was the year of national scale-up.
Select the earlier date that marks the beginning of the strategy's implementation in the country.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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