DOTS stands for directly observed treatment, short-course. It means someone supports you to take every dose of your TB medicines, so treatment is completed and TB is cured.
हिंदी में सार
डॉट्स (DOTS) का मतलब है कि कोई आपकी हर खुराक लेने में मदद करता है ताकि इलाज पूरा हो। भारत में अब हफ़्ते में तीन बार की जगह रोज़ दवा दी जाती है, साथ में ट्रीटमेंट सपोर्टर और 99DOTS या MERM जैसे डिजिटल साधन होते हैं। इलाज मुफ़्त है।
Never stop or change TB medicines on your own
Do not stop, skip or change your TB medicines without talking to your doctor or DOTS provider, even if you feel better. Stopping early can bring TB back and can make it drug-resistant.
Contact your health facility at once if you have:
- yellow eyes or yellow skin, or dark urine with pale stools
- any change in your eyesight, such as blurring or trouble seeing colours
- severe or repeated vomiting, or you cannot keep food down
- a skin rash, itching with swelling, or blisters
How DOTS works in India now
India once gave TB medicines three times a week. The NTEP knowledge base says intermittent therapy has been replaced by daily treatment with continued treatment support. So today, “DOTS” usually means daily medicines with a treatment supporter, plus digital tools to record doses.
| Support | How it helps |
|---|---|
| Treatment supporter | A health worker or trained volunteer who helps you take medicines and notices problems early |
| 99DOTS | An adherence technology linked to Ni-kshay that records doses |
| MERM medicine box | An electronic box that records when it is opened |
| Follow-up visits | Tests at set points, and a check on side effects |
DOTS treatment drugs
For drug-sensitive TB the medicines are isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol in the intensive phase, then three of them in the continuation phase. Your provider gives them in the right combination for you. See duration and phases.
Do
- Take medicines every day as your provider tells you.
- Keep your treatment card safe and take it to every visit.
- Tell your treatment supporter about any side effect.
Do not
- Do not share your medicines with anyone.
- Do not buy TB medicines separately without your doctor.
- Do not stop because you feel better.
TB treatment journey trackerPut in your start date to see your phases, test dates and follow-ups, with a printable dose diary.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of DOTS?
Directly observed treatment, short-course.
Is DOTS treatment free?
Yes, TB treatment is free at government health facilities.
What are treatment categories in DOTS?
Older guidelines used categories with intermittent doses. India now uses daily regimens chosen by drug-sensitivity test results, as your doctor decides.
Who can be my treatment supporter?
Usually a health worker, ASHA or trained volunteer arranged by the health facility. Ask your TB Unit.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.