Arranging sputum samples for testing

• MAITRI’s TB program 2020 with the contribution of Otto Per Mille of the Waldensian Church.
• MAITRI tuberculosis treatment program continues along the same line ad during  our collaboration during the RNTCP (Revised National TB Control Program).
• MAITRI operates in the ten provinces of Bodhgaya, Mohanpur, Barachatti Imamganj, Dumaria, Atri, Bathani, Mohra, Fathepur and Tankuppa through our contacts with ASHAs (government village health workers) and our 10 sputum collection points.
• MAITRI, which still provides weekly drop-in clinics for TB patients at its centre near Dhandwa village, Bodhgaya, used to restrict the services to poorer people in the 3 provinces.
• MAITRI provides free-of-charge medical care, pathological tests, and medicines to all TB patients as well as free nutritional supplements, food supplies, clothing, and blankets to the poorer TB patients.

MAITRI doctor checks x-ray during TB clinic

• Since 2006 MAITRI Charitable Trust has been the only organisation running the RNTCP program (Revised National TB Control Program) in Gaya District, and has been authorized by the Government of Bihar to run it on its behalf in 10 provinces (Bodhgaya, Mohanpur, Barachatti, Fatehpur, Tankuppa, Atri, Bathani, Mohra, Imamganj, and Dumaria), covering an area of approx 3,480 sq km, 1,238 villages, population 1,157,248.
• In May, 2006MAITRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Health Society (1) to set up and run a microscopy unit, (2) to run a drug distribution centre at its headquarters, (3) to organize and supervise a drug distribution network in 10 provinces.
• MAITRI has set up sputum collection points run by MAITRI field workers to ensure the laboratory testing and registration for the treatment of suspect cases residing in areas far from government microscopy units.
• In May, 2007 MAITRI has been entrusted by the State Health Society with the drug and logistics management for all government centres (PHCs) in Gaya District.
• In February, 2008 MAITRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Health Society for the added task of supervision of the RNTCP program in the entire district (7,941 sq. kms, 3,151 villages, population 3,996,282), including the setting-up of a thorough network of DOT providers and the carrying out of awareness drives.
• MAITRI has established a network of voluntary DOT Providers (Direct Observation Treatment) for the entire district.

• MAITRI has been carrying out awareness activities among the population with IEC/IPCcampaigns (information-education-communication and inter-personal communication) through individual and mass health education in the entire Gaya District (24 provinces) with particular regard to the 10 provinces allotted by the State Health Society.
• MAITRI provides prescription for other vital supplements to all patients under its supervision. MAITRI provides free of charge all the required supplements to all needy patients and food to strictly selected poorer ones (see Humanitarian Assistance).
• MAITRI TB program has used the services of a doctor who specialises in the treatment and eradication of tuberculosis.
• MAITRI has set up a fully functional pathological laboratory according to the standards of WHO in its premises.
• MAITRI RNTCP program has been using the services of a laboratory technician fully trained by the government services according to WHO protocol.
• MAITRI field workers have been trained by a WHO representative for the RNTCP in Bihar. MAITRI continues providing on-site monitoring of drugs intake through its field workers. MAITRI field workers continue the supervision of the patients throughout the treatment and after they are released from treatment (RFT follow-up).
• MAITRI is being supplied TB drugs by the government.
• MAITRI’s Hospital has successfully taken care of seriously ill patients since it opened in March 2008. MAITRI provides regular reports to the District Health Society.
• MAITRI is not financially supported by the government.