A new approach to tuberculosis notification

Abstract

A tuberculosis notification system was initiated which used several sources - the doctor, the diagnostic services of bacteriology, histopathology and radiology, and the pharmacy. The results of six months' notifications have shown that the pharmacy was by far the most complete source (74% of all new cases); doctors notified only 21% of all new cases. The combination of both doctors and the pharmacy was the most complete pair, notifying 85% of all new cases. It is suggested that consideration should be given to the use of pharmacies as a source of notification both in other settings and for other diseases.