Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which of the following correctly describes the current treatment regimen for new drug-sensitive pulmonary TB in adults?

• A 2HRZE/4HR using weight-band fixed-dose combination tablets ✓
• B 2HRZE/6HE using daily regimen in all cases
• C 2HRZ/4H3R3 using intermittent thrice-weekly regimen
• D 6 months of isoniazid and rifampicin regardless of smear status

Explanation

Under NTEP (formerly RNTCP), the standard treatment for new drug-sensitive TB is 2HRZE/4HR — a 2-month intensive phase with Isoniazid (H), Rifampicin (R), Pyrazinamide (Z), and Ethambutol (E), followed by a 4-month continuation phase with H and R. All regimens are delivered as weight-band fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablets on a daily basis; intermittent regimens were phased out in 2017 under the shift toward fully daily therapy. Treatment is directly observed therapy (DOT) and can be facility or community-based.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.