As per the policy of the National Government of India, this initiative stresses the power of information, communication, and education (IEC) activities to spread the message about TB and its control with the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) therapy. "The show attracts a large audience" in Tarn Taran, says District TB Officer Dr. Gagandeep Singh Grover. Educating people in districts like Tarn Taran, which covers a population of around 1.2 million - 90% of which is rural - is seen as important in containing the disease in a country where, despite the free diagnosis and treatment facilities provided under the RNTCP, thousands with TB die due to lack of awareness about diagnosis and treatment. This method of IEC, which integrates role plays as well, involves magician Ved Parkash entertaining the audience, and a local public health expert such as Dr. Grover conveying clear messages about TB. People of all ages and from all walks of life - including health officials - attend the live performances, most of which are held in public locations in order to reach a large number of passers-by - e.g, those meandering through the slum areas in which they live, hospital visitors and staff, people heading for nearby bus stops and railway stations, etc.

To further display political and administrative commitment toward TB control as RNTCP is being implemented in India, some physicians have organised sensitisation workshops for TB patients, members of the public, representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and health workers. For instance, on the occasion of World TB day (March 24) 2008, Dr. Grover (referenced above) displayed one distinct feature of RNTCP - the so-called "patient-wise drug boxes" and explained their role in the DOTS regimen. Then, Dr. Grover took the STOP TB pledge and asked all those present to do the same by proclaiming "I am Stopping TB". At this event, the administrative head of the District provided DOTS to 2 TB patients in front of those gathered.

Health.