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Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1995 up to one-third of the total global population were estimated to be infected with the tubercle bacilli with nearly 90% of cases occurring in the developing countries. In addition, the 1999 WHO report on tuberculosis (TB) estimated the total number of new sputum-positive cases to have been just over 3.5 m globally in 1997. The incorrect usage of the available drugs has lead to drug-resistant forms of the bacteria which has further complicated the treatment needs and the costs imposed on healthcare services. Faced with this scenario it is important that a comprehensive policy is adopted to make best use of the existing drugs and to do so in a cost-effective way. This article considers the studies conducted on drug treatment regimens for pulmonary TB and their cost-effectiveness in the developing world.