Human resources for tuberculosis care in China: gaps and challenges from a physicians’ perspective

The human resources for health is one of the key building blocks in tuberculosis control. As the implementer of disease control policies and medical practices, physicians are at a core position for the health of tuberculosis patients. Unfortunately, while the tuberculosis control system is under the transition to the Trinity Model nationwide, little attention was paid to this particular workforce. This study filled the gap of little information about the challenges of tuberculosis physicians by researching on the gaps and challenges of tuberculosis physicians at prefecture-city and county level. A mixed method approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data through survey and in-depth interview with physicians, directors of clinical departments and officials at disease control agencies. The shortage of physicians, difficulty in recruitment, insufficient and inappropriate use of protective equipment, unfair compensation, and insufficient training opportunities were found as major challenges of tuberculosis physicians. A collective effort from all levels of governments, CDCs, and hospitals should be made in increasing competence, ensuring health and safety, providing fair compensation, enhancing productivity, and strengthening supportive supervision of tuberculosis physicians.