Question

India is aiming to be free of tuberculosis by 2025. One of the key approaches for this program is DOTS. Which one of the following options is the full form of DOTS?

• A. Directly observed therapy short-course
• B. Directly observed tuberculosis short-course
• C. District operated therapy system
• D. Directly operated therapy

Hint:

DOTS is a critical approach in the fight against tuberculosis, ensuring patients adhere to their treatment regimen by having their medication directly observed, helping reduce drug resistance.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

DOTS stands for Directly Observed Therapy Short-Course, which is the strategy adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health organizations to control and treat tuberculosis. The DOTS strategy involves a short-course treatment regimen, where a healthcare worker directly observes patients while they take their medications. This approach ensures treatment adherence and reduces the risk of drug resistance. Therefore, statement (A) is the correct full form of DOTS.
- (B): Directly observed tuberculosis short-course (DOTS) is a misleading version of the correct term. While tuberculosis treatment is observed, the term "tuberculosis" is redundant in this context. Hence, statement (B) is incorrect.
- (C): The District operated therapy system is not related to the DOTS program and is not the correct term. Hence, statement (C) is incorrect.
- (D): Directly operated therapy is not a recognized term associated with the DOTS program. Hence, statement (D) is incorrect.
Thus, the correct answer is (A).