In the coastal city of Chennai, Southern India, KNCV is actively engaging private healthcare providers with our local partner NGO REACH through the ‘EQUIP’ project funded by the Lilly Foundation. REACH has a long track record in improving access to TB care through community mobilization and engaging the private sector. TB is a serious problem in India claiming roughly half a million lives every year. The goal of the EQUIP project is the development of a replicable model for public private collaboration with an NGO as an interface agency. The interventions were developed in participation with private providers and patients at the start in June 2015, and continuously monitored and shaped during implementation. The result is the current model which is well acceptable to all partners in public and private sector, but above all well appreciated by the TB patients. Private healthcare providers are able to offer costless GeneXpert and daily treatment to their TB patients, while REACH staff give patients adherence support at EQUIP corners provided by committed private providers in their clinics or hospitals. TB patients are satisfied, as they can remain with their doctor and have access to optional nutritional support, home visits and psycho-social counseling provided by EQUIP staff.
Please keep an eye on for future editions of KNCV update on the project results including perspectives of patients and private health providers involved in the EQUIP project.
A United Way Worldwide grant made possible by Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation).
(EQUIP: ‘Enhanced use of Quality drugs and Utilization of Innovative diagnostics for TB management in the Private sector’)