Monthly records of 264 tuberculous patients who had been discharged from the hospital with medical consent, and the recommendation of outpatient chemotherapy, were reviewed. A progressive increase in the number defecting from the prescribed regimen is demonstrated. It is noted that, after 12 months of home treatment, 26% of the patients placed on ambulatory chemotherapy did not return to the clinic for renewal of their drug supply. Forty-three per cent appeared to be taking none, or less than 50% of the drugs prescribed. Only one-fourth were taking within 90% of the regimen as ordered.