A 35-year-old woman from a rural village in Madhya Pradesh attends the primary health centre (PHC) with complaints of persistent cough for 3 weeks and low-grade fever. The health worker suspects tuberculosis and performs a sputum smear microscopy, which is negative. The woman is symptomatic and anxious about her condition. What is the most appropriate next step in management according to primary health care principles and NTEP guidelines?