Search

TB diagnosis has been simplified in India following advances in available diagnostic tools. This facilitates private doctors' "patient first" approach toward early diagnosis; however, costs remain high. India's NTEP established a TB diagnostic network, which is free for patients and incentivizes private doctors to participate. Drawing from this context led to the design and implementation of the One-Stop TB Diagnostic Solution model, which was conducted in the Hisar district, Haryana, allowing specimens from presumptive TB patients from private doctors to be collected and tested as per NTEPs diagnostic algorithm. A subset of data pertaining to private doctors was analyzed for the project period. Qualitative data were also collected by interviewing doctors using a snowball method to capture doctors' perception about the model. Out of 1159 specimens collected from 60 facilities, MTB was detected in 32% and rifampicin resistance was detected in 7% specimens. All specimens went through the diagnostic algorithm. Thirty doctors interviewed were satisfied with the services offered and were appreciative of the program that implements this "patient centric" model. Results from implementation indicate the need to strengthen private diagnostics through a certification process to ensure provision of quality TB diagnostic services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to allopathic medicines or chemically synthesized drugs, there is a growing use of natural compounds and supplements in herbal medicine to treat various diseases as they are safe and devoid of side effects. Though, this is not completely true as many cases of the detrimental impact of herbal or traditional medicine have been reported. Herbal medicines contain unpurified plant portions or extracts which may have these side effects. How effective are the drug molecules derived from natural products, or how destructive are the undesirable compounds that must be investigated? Natural extracts are mixtures of various components, and there is uncertainty about the mechanism of action of certain herbal medicines. There may be a lot of factors involved like placebo effects, and other molecules without which medicine may not work in isolation. In this study, we have reviewed the effects of herbal medicines, possible causes for their benefits like epigenetic changes, adverse drug reactions, and the provision to control these issues. We have also explored the measures being taken at the national and international levels. There have been efforts to minimize the issues related to side effects based on reporting from the population using remedies monitored by pharmacovigilance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]