02349nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653001700054653004300071653002900114653003000143653004000173653002600213653005000239653003000289653002700319100001900346700000900365700000800374700001500382245011600397520156800513022001402081       2026                            d  c02/202610aLeprosy care10aNational leprosy eradication programme10aPost-market surveillance10aWHO 2030 leprosy strategy10amateriovigilance programme of India10amedical device safety10amedical device vigilance in tropical diseases10apatient safety monitoring10arehabilitation devices1 aPugazhenthan T1 aPe S1 aU A1 aNaveen V N00aThe need for materiovigilance in leprosy-treating hospitals in India: a critical perspective on patient safety.3 a<p><strong>INTRODUCTION: </strong></p>

<p>Leprosy remains a major public health challenge in countries like India, Brazil, and Indonesia. The Materiovigilance Programme was established to monitor the safety of medical devices and helps to protect healthcare workers and patients from device-related injuries. Leprosy patients suffer from sensory loss and are at high risk of developing injuries with medical devices. Therefore, integrating Materiovigilance programme with the national leprosy care programme is essential to improve the safety and wellbeing of leprosy patients.</p>

<p><strong>AREAS COVERED: </strong></p>

<p>This critical perspective covers the role of Materiovigilance in India, the classification of medical devices based on their risk status, devices used in leprosy management, the Indian and International target goals for leprosy elimination, and emphasis on the integration of Materiovigilance programmes with leprosy programmes in leprosy treating hospitals.</p>

<p><strong>EXPERT OPINION: </strong></p>

<p>There is a significant gap existing in the leprosy elimination policies regarding the safety concerns with the use of medical devices. Successful integration of Materiovigilance framework with leprosy elimination policies will influence the treatment outcomes in a positive manner. The key challenges to overcome are lack of awareness, training and funding. Implementing the integration strategy in a stage wise manner will help to identify the lacunae, operational issues and further strengthen the programme.</p>
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