Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), the treatment of a new smear-positive pulmonary TB patient in 2024 uses which regimen?
- A 2HRZE / 4H3R3 (thrice-weekly in continuation phase)
- B 2HRZES / 1HRZE / 5HRE (Category II)
- C 2HRZE / 4HR (daily doses throughout) ✓
- D 6-month bedaquiline + pretomanid + linezolid for all new cases
Correct answer: C. 2HRZE / 4HR (daily doses throughout)
Explanation
NTEP (formerly RNTCP) shifted to daily drug regimen across all phases following the 2016 recommendations and formal adoption. The current standard is 2 months of HRZE (Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol) daily followed by 4 months of HR daily — all using fixed-dose combinations. The old thrice-weekly continuation phase (4H3R3) has been discontinued. Category II (2HRZES/1HRZE/5HRE) is no longer recommended under NTEP.
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.