An Approach to the Diagnosis, Treatment and Referral of Tuberculosis Patients: The Family Practitioners' Role

Abstract

The family practitioner in private practice is a key role player within the primary health care system and should play a bigger role in national tuberculosis (TB) control. TB training at medical undergraduate level is often not adequate and continuous medical education is necessary to develop capacity among private family practitioners. The Department of Health should also encourage the involvement of especially the private family practitioners in district TB control, which is a long overdue public-private interaction. This article discusses the role of the family practitioner to better diagnose, treat and refer tuberculosis patients.