A multi drug therapy (MDT) is used in the treatment of leprosy. The treatment consists of three medicines, Clofazimine, Rifampicin and Dapsone.
Image Credit source: Jan Prahari Express
in country leprosy It’s not over yet. it’s kind of infectious disease It causes wounds and nerve damage (nerve damage) in the hands, feet and skin of patients. It is a chronic (prolonged) disease caused by infection with bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It is also known as Hansen’s disease. This disease causes skin ulcers, nerve damage and muscle weakness. If it is not treated it can lead to severe deformity and disability.
Despite being declared ‘leprosy-free’ in 2005, India accounts for more than half (about 60 percent) of the world’s new cases. According to a report, there is a shortage of Clofazimine in the country these days. This medicine is an important medicine for the treatment of leprosy.
shortage of drugs
Dr Gunjan Verma, Consultant (Dermitology), HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka confirmed that there is a shortage of Clofazimine medicine. This medicine is one of the three medicines used in the treatment of leprosy. “We are aware of the shortage of this medicine and have informed the Centre,” he said.
These medicines are free all over India. But the lack of clofazimine is hindering treatment. He said, “These three medicines are given together in the treatment of leprosy, so that the treatment is completely effective. If a drug is not included in the treatment, it can cause harm. For example, a deficiency of clofazimine can lead to it making the treatment ineffective for the person concerned.
Government’s response
In June, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) wrote to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya seeking steps to address the shortage.
However, when Kannur-based ophthalmologist KV Babu sought annual data on the amount of clofazimine used in India from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021, under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the National Drug Pricing Authority (NPPA) said that “such data is not available in this office”.
In view of the shortage of Clofazimine, the officials wrote to the Center to investigate the matter. He said, “As per my information, the government has spoken to the respective manufacturers and informed us that the supply will start soon. The government has assured that this medicine will be available soon.”
treatment
Dr. Verma told that a multi drug therapy (MDT) is used in the treatment of this disease. He said, “The treatment consists of three medicines, Clofazimine, Rifampicin and Dapsone. Under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, the concerned patients are given monthly blister packs of these three medicines for 12 months.”
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