Tuberculosis (TB), a debilitating disease, continues to remain one of the leading infectious killer diseases and a most pressing health problem in the country. To prevent and control the disease the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTCP) was launched in Assam in 1962. Although Government of India introduced (1992) a revised strategy for National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) to achieve a cure rate of over 85 per cent by implementing the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) of Short Course Chemotherapy (SCC) in a phased manner throughout the country, the RNTCP was launched (November 1998) only in one district (Dibrugarh) of Assam. Review of the Programme revealed that there were dismal achievement in detection of new TB cases, low cure rate, inadequate or non-availability of infrastructure facilities, irregular supply of drugs, insignificant training activities and lack of proper monitoring. Annual Action Plans were not formulated nor any survey was undertaken to identify TB patients. Funds provided by the Government of India were either not released or there was delay in release/ utilisation of funds. Following are the main audit findings of this performance audit:

1. Out of Rs.2.54 crore provided by Government of India in cash during 1997-98 to 2000-2001 the department had not released Rs. 0.70 crore indicating that funds were diverted for other purposes instead of utilisation on the programme.
2. The department spent Rs.0.13 crore in excess of ceiling of funds for purchase of anti TB drugs during 2000-2001.
3. Targets and achievements for setting up TB units, TB dispensaries/chest clinics and microscopy centres during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 were not on record.
4. In 17 District Tuberculosis Centres 8 posts of Medical Officers and 52 posts of paramedical staff were lying vacant. Besides, there was no record of utilisation of 656 TB beds in government hospitals between 1996-97 and 2000-2001.
5. Contrary to Government of India orders (January 1999) the DHS had purchased Rifampicine Capsules and Pyrazinamide tablets valued at Rs. 0.54 crore during January 1999 to October 2000 out of the grants received from Government of India. In DTC Karbi-Anglong out of 3 lakh Rifampicine capsules received in October 1995 against indents placed by DGHS, shelf life of 1.07 lakh capsules valued at Rs. 6.42 lakh expired in October 1996 due to their supply in excess of requirement.