Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis is a significant public health problem with serious repercussions. Since Tuberculosis is a social problem, an attempt was made to explore the issue in Kashmir region.

Methods:  A total of 33 “on treatment” Multi drug resistant tuberculosis cases were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: More than 2/3^rd of cases interviewed were females, belonging to reproductive age group. None of them was HIV positive, however 27% had other comorbidities. Around 60% cases perceived Tuberculosis as stigma. Important to note was that 65% cases were happy with the behaviour of Health care worker (HCW) towards them.

Conclusion: The perception of tuberculosis as a stigma or curse is still prevalent in our setting.  Much needs to be done to dispel the stigma associated with Tuberculosis as the fear of being ostracized forces persons with TB to hide their disease status. It was concluded that there is a need of strengthening the ways of tackling tuberculosis as a Clinico-social entity as such.

Key Words: Multi drug resistant tuberculosis; profile; Kashmir; Stigma; resistance; Health care workers.

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Taha Ayub