Private Sector Issue/T. Shimao
Registration of TB cases
TB patients are registered at the HC in charge of patient's residence. If reporting is done to the other HC, reporting is transfered to the HC covering patient's residence.
All informations on a case such as the results of bacteriological examinations, chest X-ray findings, the method of treatment including the regimen of chemothrapy, results of contacts examinations, etc. are recorded in the registration card.
Patients are registered during and a few years after the cessation of treatment.
Public health nurse will make a home visit when a case is first diagnosed, then during treatment if necessary.
Medical examination is indicated for cases with activity unknown or defaulters.
Measures to Improve and Maintain Quality of TB Treatment under Integrated TB Control Programme (1)
Public subsidy for cost of TB treatment: Half of cost for TB treatment is covered by the public fund under TB Control Law.
TB Advisory Committee in Each HC: The committee, consists of five members; director of HC, two TB experts and two representatives of local medical associations, checks the application for public subsidy according to the guideline of TB treatment and criteria for public subsidy, and public subsidy is given upon approval of the committee.
Measures to Improve and Maintain Quality of TB Treatment under Integrated TB Control Programme (2)
Preparation of Guideline of TB Treatment and Criteria for Receiving Public Subsidy
Guideline of TB treatment: Most updated methods of TB treatment were taken in, and revised by adopting advances in TB treatment.
Criteria for Receiving Public Subsidy: The criteria are set taking into account the budgetary situation of TB control, and did not cover 100% of treatment indicated in the guideline, however, efforts were made to narrow a gap between them, and both are consistent currently.
Training Workshop on TB
Doctors are invited to attend a training workshop on TB organized annually by prefectural government.
Procedure to Receive Public Subsidy for TB Treatment
Application for receiving public subsidy for TB treatment should be made by a patient or his/her gurdian to a HC in charge of his/her residence.
A medical certificate on disease status (bacteriological and X-ray findings) and doctor's comment on a plan of treatment including the regimen of chemotherapy should accompany with the patient's application form together with X-ray films.
Application should be repeated every six months.
