The prevalence of tuberculosis is much higher in marginalised tribal communities than that in the rest of the country. Ekta Niketan is a model community TB programme where there is no doctor. We focus to control the spread of tuberculosis and advocate for the access to health care and essential services for all.

Empowering Villagers

After years of training, supervision and experience, Ekta Niketan's village health workers are competent to make accurate diagnosis of Tuberculosis, examine sputum samples under a microscope and and dispense medicines.

With a minimal education, health workers are trained to keep detailed records of patients - medical, psychosocial status and economic conditions.

SUNITA AND OTHERS AT EKTA NIKETAN

Sunita is coordinates the work and is responsible for patient education in medication compliance and nutrition. She records patients’ details including socio-economic status for benefit assessment and monitoring purposes.

Tikla is one of Ekta Niketan’s longest serving health workers and main clinician. He is trained to diagnose TB from clinical assessment alongside sputum microscopy. He prescribes TB medication and educates patients on their course of treatment. He, along with Sunita, consults with Ekta Niketan's doctor when necessary. He conducts outreach visits for patient follow up.

Hireshwar is the clinic’s microscopist. He is trained to use a microscope to diagnose TB from sputum samples. He is Government TB programme (NTEP) liaison.

He also manages medication procurement and provides accounts support.

Siwan is responsible for patient registration and triage, making an initial assessment as to whether the patient has TB symptoms.

He maintains a computerised TB patient register and follow up record for analysis.

He sends patients' photos, medical records, X-rays etc. for video consultations with Ekta Niketan’s doctor.

Khiloni is Ekta Niketan’s housekeeper and cook. She manages food supplies and makes sure everyone is fuelled with tea and lunch on clinic days.

Gudur is Ekta Niketan’s gardener and property maintenance manager. He is the overnight caretaker and informs the local community of any upcoming meetings and events.

Birender, himself a TB patient at Ekta Niketan, joined to help maintain records. Now he is responsible for the TB register, also for dispensing anti-TB drugs. He manages with his one arm and rides bi-cycle 30 kilometres to come to work.

A DAY AT THE TB CENTRE