Leprosy
Mailing List, March 23rd, 2009
Ref.:
Praises and criticisms about the so called leprosy
"elimination" policy
From:
Kar H. K.,
New Delhi
,
India
Dear
Dr Bendick,
Thank
you very much for your messages (LML February 28th and
March 7th 2009). The
term "elimination" should be restricted to professional
bodies. Our ultimate goal
is eradication. It
is a step ahead of elimination.
No
doubt, the contribution of dermatologists is commendable in achieving
elimination stage directly and indirectly. However,
we have a long way to go, especially after the vertical programme is
integrated with general health services in many countries like
India
. Our responsibility has increased to many fold,
particularly in programme oriented training for undergraduate and
post graduate students, medical officers, private practitioners for in
early diagnosis and appropriate management of new cases and
disability/deformity prevention and medical rehabilitation (DPMR).
In
addition, we are also responsible for adequate management of
complications like neuritis and reactions to prevent
disability/deformity and relapse at referral level. We
should continue to work on research activities in various fields as
determined by WHO from time to time.
With
Regards,
Dr
(Prof.) H K Kar
President,
IAL
Consultant & HOD
Department of Dermatology, STD & Leprosy
P.G.I.M.E.R. and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Baba Kharag Singh Marg
New Delhi-110001
India
