A descriptive study of MDT services in Chhattisgarh

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.

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.

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%).

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.