Tuberculosis Unit [TU]

Tuberculosis (TB) unit (TU) is the sub-district level supervisory unit of National TB Elimination Program with the following organogram:

Figure: Organogram of a TB Unit

(PHI: Peripheral Health Institution)

TUs are based mainly on National Health Mission (NHM) health blocks with the aim of aligning with the NHM Block Programme Management Unit (BPMU) for optimum resource utilization and appropriate monitoring.

The TUs have been created based on a population of 1 per 2,00,000 (range 1.5 – 2.5 lakh) for rural and urban populations and 1 per 1,00,000 (0.75 – 1.25 lakh) population in hilly/tribal/difficult areas.

The TU consists of a designated Medical Officer-Tuberculosis Control (MO-TC), as well as one full-time supervisory staff - Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS). However, one Senior TB Laboratory Supervisor (STLS) will be there in every 5 lakh population (one per 2.5 lakh population for tribal/hilly/difficult areas), mostly covering 2-3 TUs.

TB Unit manages the provision of TB services (Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, etc.) and programme management in the assigned geographical area. 

Resources

• RNTCP Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control in India 2016.
• Training Modules (1-4) for Programme Managers & Medical Officers, 2020.