NLR India Guidelines "Developing 'Self-Care-Groups' in homes with Persons Affected with Leprosy (PAL Home)".
SCG = Self Care Group
With the introduction of Multi Drug Therapy (MDT), the National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP) of India was re-designated as National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in the year 1983. With the declining case load, Leprosy services have been integrated into General Health Care (GHC) System since the year 2002. Because of concerted efforts of GOI and partners, effective MDT and wider area of coverage, case load and new case detection is steadily decreasing. In spite of the major achievements made in the programme, care of the patients, after cure, is not addressed adequately. Disabled Leprosy cases treated by MDT & cured medically are prone to develop secondary impairments and there is a risk of worsening of their disabilities. Cured but disabled Leprosy cases seen in public places/roads often reflect success or failure of NLEP and the programme is often judged by visibility of these deformed persons.
Social stigma is persisting mainly towards disabled persons and due to this the disabled persons have isolated themselves in Leprosy homes. Old treated persons who have developed deformity long back and settled in Persons Affected by Leprosy homes are still not willing to return to their native places due to fear of long standing stigma. Although they are treated cases, these inhabitants are unable to live a socially and economically productive life.
Although some support is being provided by Governments for their sustenance, quality care, for their disabilities/deformities, is not provided adequately.
Most of the inhabitants of these homes are suffering from Disabilities of Gr I (anesthetic hands and feet) as well as Gr II (mainly ulcers, clawing etc.). Care of these disabilities can be best done by practicing self care by the affected persons them selves. From experiences elsewhere, it is learnt that the out come of the Self Care practiced in groups, is much better as compared to the self care practiced individually. NLR India is willing to support these Persons affected by leprosy so that worsening of disabilities are checked and they are enabled to restore their normal social life.