Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of DOTS
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
DOTS: Stands for Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course.
DOTS is a strategy used to reduce the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases. In DOTS, healthcare workers observe patients as they take their medicine. Left alone, many people with tuberculosis fail to take all their medication and contribute to the spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis.