National Environmental And Educational Development
557 cases have been reported to the OPD. Of them, 530 cases were either case with general skin conditions or old treated leprosy cases for management of complications/steroid treatment. The remaining 27 were new cases suspected and referred to the centre for diagnosis of leprosy. 23 cases were confirmed and referred back to the respective PHCs for MDT initiation. 8 new cases of sensory impairment were provided with protective footwear.
530 old cases reporting to the Referral Centre were counselled and demonstrated self-care practices
to OPD and those admitted in IP wards, with podiatric footwear to those with ulcers.
14 cases with reaction/neuritis were reported to the Referral centre. 5 cases were admitted to IP wards. All the cases were put on steroids and regular follow-up was done as per the schedule. 9 cases have shown very good improvement. and 5 cases are still under the scheduled course of steroid treatment.
Nerve function assessment was done for all the 23 new cases, 22 cases identified from LCDC and 14 cases with reaction and neuritis.
During the reporting period, 64 cases (59 ulcers & 5 Reaction/Neuritis) were admitted to IP wards and treated for ulcers. In 43 cases, the ulcers have healed.
26 self-care kits were provided to patients with ulcers reported to the referral centre and during field visits.
The Referral Centre and footwear unit of Fontilles established at Pogiri have made a big difference in the identification of new cases, cases with reactions/neuritis, admission and treatment of complicated ulcer cases, referral of cases for RCS and provision of footwear to leprosy-affected persons with insensitive feet for prevention of ulcers and further damage to the feet. These are the most relevant activities of the leprosy programme neglected hitherto and focused on now because of the generosity of Fontilles in supporting this cause.