New Delhi, April 12, 2018: Indian Association of Dermatologists Venereologists & Leprologists (IADVL), the world’s 2nd largest Association of Dermatologists & Indian’s largest official body of Dermatologists, observed “World Skin Health Day” on 6th April 2018 at Press Club of India, Delhi to highlight on skin hygiene (Swatch aur Swasth Twatcha), prevention of misuse/abuse of topical steroid creams, epidemic of fungal infections, and prevention of quackery related to the matter. In India there is a rampant misuse and abuse of topical steroid creams by not only the rural populace but also the educated people in urban areas. The abuse of steroid creams and steroid combination creams is unchecked because the Health Ministry (DCGI) is not taking timely, adequate remedial steps. It is also frightening to see how drug companies manage to obtain permission to introduce newer antifungal formulations such as fluconazole powder, itraconazole powder as well as cream and amphotericin B gel. Members of IADVL Task force Against Topical Steroid Abuse (ITATSA) have approached the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) several times and have explained the alarming situation. Following inaction on the part of DCGI, the association has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Delhi High court, the second hearing of which will be on 12th April 2018. The easy availability of TCS and combinations containing TCS and antifungals has to be controlled stringently. Topical steroids and their combinations need to be sold as “prescription only “aka “Schedule H“ drugs. However, the government has kept them out of the schedule H list for questionable purposes as pointed out by the PIL.
The government will most likely face resistance from pharmaceutical companies, but the rule has to be strictly implemented with punitive measures for defaulters. Only then, shall we see a decline in steroid modified tinea and many cases of chronic widespread dermatophytosis. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in New Delhi and all state licensing authorities need to actively take the wise counsel of an expert panel of dermatologists before issuing licenses to new FDCs. They need to summarily revoke the licenses given so far. IADVL has initiated concerted efforts to educate public, chemists and medical practitioners about this issue. The association has also made several representations to the DCGI and other senior bureaucrats in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Irrational FDCs and formulations are also exported to many developing countries. It is highly unfortunate that the pharmaceutical industry, one of the major players globally in manufacturing as well as exports is responsible for this chaotic situation which could have been easily avoided. The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) has issued a support and solidarity letter to IADVL.
While the welcome speech was delivered by Dr. Ramesh Bhat, President, IADVL, the session was moderated by Dr. Rohit Batra, Chair Person, Media Cell, IADVL and Dr Dinesh Kumar Devaraj, Joint Secretary IADVL.
Dr. Yogesh Marfatia, Immediate Past President, IADVL talked about IADVL, their journey, and agenda. The spokespersons discussed the prevention of misuse/abuse of topical steroid creams.
In addition, dermatologists and family physicians have been noticing an unusual increase in the Fungal (commonly called as ringworm infections among the public) across the country over the past 5 -6 years. These infections have been very extensive, highly contagious and resistant to almost all varieties of treatment causing a huge burden on the healthcare in India.
Dr. Ramesh Bhat, President, IADVL and Dr. Yogesh Marfatia, Immediate Past President, IADVL delivered their valuable inputs on fungal infections.
To contain the threat of the fungal super-bug, IADVL has constituted ITATSA (IADVL Task force Against Topical Steroid Abuse) and IADVL Task-force Against Recalcitrant Tinea (ITART) to develop strategies to educate the doctors, pharmacists, general public about general measures to be adopted and against the usage of steroid combination creams.
Certain skin conditions like extensive Psoriasis and Pemphigus are not only life threatening but also emotionally wrenching to the patient & family.
Biologics, useful in such conditions are beyond the reach of common man because of the high cost. In the state of Tamil Nadu, these drugs are available to the general public free of cost in the Government run hospitals. Insurance regulatory authorities are requested to consider this category of medicines under Insurance cover as it would help in reducing the morbidity & mortality of these conditions.
IADVL collaborates with National Leprosy Eradication Programme of the Government of India to help the reduce transmission of Leprosy and work towards its awareness and
eradication of the social stigma attached to Vitiligo (Leucoderma). It is in continuation of this endeavor that a Skin Safar, is planned from Kashmir to Kanyakumari over a period of 3 months. knowledge campaign about awareness on skin hygiene & diseases, early detection & treatment of Leprosy. In this regard, Dr. P narasimha Rao, President Elect, IADVL spoke on Leprosy and the drive towards its awareness.
Dermatology is one fertile ground where quackery is flourishing due to lax regulation & blind eye of authorities. In this regard, IADVL has constituted a task force against quackery, IADVL Taskforce Against Quackery (ITAQ), which educates the general public on quackery and also to liaise with concerned authorities to eliminate quackery Dr.Mukesh Girdar, Vice President, IADVL discussed Vitiligo, Quackery and Insurance related to the concern.
The media interaction was attended by all the respectable EC members, VK Sharma, Deepika. As a note of conclusion the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Umashankar.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
