Under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which of the following correctly defines a 'defaulter' in the context of TB treatment?
- A Patient who interrupts treatment for 2 or more weeks
- B Patient who interrupts treatment for 2 consecutive months or more ✓
- C Patient who remains sputum-positive at the end of the intensive phase
- D Patient who has never been treated for TB before
Correct answer: B. Patient who interrupts treatment for 2 consecutive months or more
Explanation
Under NTEP, a 'defaulter' is defined as a TB patient who has been on treatment and interrupted treatment for 2 consecutive months or more. This is a key treatment outcome indicator. Option A (2 weeks) is too short. Option C describes a 'failure' case. Option D describes a 'new' case.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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