What is TB DOTS program of Department of health?

D.O.T.S. stands for Directly-Observed Treatment Short-course. It is a comprehensive strategy
endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Union Against Tuberculosis
and Lung Diseases (IUATLD) to detect and cure TB patients.There are five elements of DOTS
that need to be fulfilled. These are:
1. political commitment
2. quality sputum microscopy for diagnosis
3. regular supply of anti-TB drugs
4. standardized recording and reporting of TB data
5. supervised treatment by a treatment partner
According to the WHO Report on the TB Epidemic, 1997: A DOTS cure TB patients and it can
produce cure rates as high as 95% even in the poorest countries.
>A DOTS prevent new infections among children and adults.
>A DOTS can stop resistance to anti-TB drugs.
>A DOTS is cost-effective.