A descriptive study of MDT services in Chhattisgarh.

INTRODUCTION: The study was conducted to ascertain the registration status, time lag and reasons for non/delayed registration, pattern and sources of MDT, among new cases of leprosy, initially reporting to a tertiary level institution and subsequently referred after diagnosis, to Primary Care institutions.

METHODOLOGY: All new cases referred from RLTRI, Raipur to three adjoining blocks between Nov. 2005 and Oct. 2006 were listed and followed at monthly interval at the PHC/CHC, Sub center and household levels, from 2 to 6 months after RLTRI visit.

RESULTS: A total of 371 cases were referred, of which 326 (87.9%) could be traced. The level of PHC/ CHC registration of cases, which was 58.0% after 2 months, rose to 80.4% after 6 months of follow up. 82.9% of the registered cases collected subsequent doses of MDT from the nearest Sub center or PHC. Main reason for non/ delayed registration were delay in reporting from patient side (30.7%), non availability of MDT at PHC (24.1%), non-availability of concerned staff (7.3%) and other operational problems (38.0%).

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need to strengthen the "MDT Services" through monitoring and supervision of leprosy activities delivered by General Health Services in post integration phase.