Microsoft Word 02Preface doc

2)
 
Introducing the EQA system into Private Hospitals 
The EQA system mentioned above was introduced into public microscopy centers as a 
part of the Infectious Diseases Project. 
However, the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) estimated that close to 50% of 
all TB patients visit private clinics/hospitals and laboratories before finally being 
diagnosed in the public sector facilities.    Many suspected TB cases and actual patients 
prefer to seek health care at private health facilities, among other reasons for the 
assurance of privacy and the avoidance of stigmatisation, especially as TB is 
increasingly being associated with HIV/AIDS.    However, the management of TB in 
the private sector lags behind that of the public sector, hence the need to strengthen 
this sector. 
Based on the experience of the Middle-Level Manpower Training sessions, the 
NMIMR and the NTP with the support of the Global Fund against Tuberculosis, AIDS 
and Malaria initiated a training program for private laboratory personnel from Accra 
and Kumasi (see Table 4.12).     
The specific objectives of the course were:   
 
¾
 
To strengthen the skills of private laboratory personnel in sputum smear 
microscopy. 
¾
 
To impart the necessary biosafety techniques in TB Microscopy. 
¾
 
To introduce a TB Microscopy Quality Assurance System.