National Tuberculosis Control Centre (NTCC)

Description

The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) is fully integrated into the Government of Nepal’s basic health-care system. The NTP‘s focal point is the National Tuberculosis Control Centre (NTCC). It is in charge of developing program policies, strategies, and plans. The NTP laboratory network’s central laboratory at the NTCC serves as the focal point for policy and guideline creation, training, quality control, and supervision. NTCC’s main responsibilities include technical assistance, monitoring and evaluation, training, supervision, logistics, health education, communication, and research.

The NTCC‘s main responsibilities also include quantification, purchase, and supply of anti-tuberculosis medications. From the Global Drug Facility, the NTCC obtains both first and second-line anti-TB medications for TB patients (GDF). The Logistics Management Division of the Department of Health Services is in charge of drug distribution. NTCC has also established a Programme Management Unit (PMU) at the central level to oversee the Global Fund awards and provide technical assistance in the development of policies, programs, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

NTP activities are organized and implemented at the regional level in collaboration with the Regional Health Directorate. In collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Center (NTCC), the Regional Tuberculosis Centre (RTC) in Pokhara provides technical support to TB control efforts in the Western Region. In each region, full-time permanent Regional TB Leprosy Officers (RTLO) are appointed. The execution of programs in the regions is the responsibility of regional levels. In addition, the regional office is in charge of training, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as program oversight. Through the Regional Logistic Management Division, the regional office also provides logistical support, TB medicine supply, and other needs.