Treating Tuberculosis in the Private Sector: Cambodia

The Quality Assurance Project undertook a national assessment of private sector tuberculosis (TB) services in Cambodia to improve understanding of private sector practices and the sector’s willingness to participate in efforts to improve TB services. Over 500 respondents, including doctors, pharmacists, drug sellers, and TB patients, participated. In addition, mystery shoppers visited private pharmacists and drug sellers so that the surveyed groups’ reports could be compared to actual experiences. The survey uncovered many aspects of private sector TB services that are undermining the Cambodian Government’s efforts to increase detection and cure rates. Recommendations focus on bringing the private sector into the National TB Program so that all patients seeking TB care will receive quality services. [publisher’s description]