Tuberculosis in Congregate Settings: Policies and Practices in Various Facilities in Mumbai, India

Congregate settings and correctional facilities have high risk of transmission of tuberculosis. They should have capacity to identify and diagnose cases early and initiate prompt treatment to prevent spread to inmates and staff. Appropriate interventions should ensure completion of treatment, documentation and reporting, and prevention of reactivation of successfully treated cases. This requires support from local health authorities. Although international policies and guidelines for infection control in congregate settings are available, there is very little information on how these are practiced in such settings. Our investigation highlights the policies and practices of various congregate facilities in the city of Mumbai.