Leprosy survey in industries in Bombay

Population surveys for leprosy in industrial cities like Bombay revealed that about 60% of adult subjects especially males could be examined. The fact that the prevalence rate of leprosy particularly multibacillary type is much higher in this segment of population as compared to other groups indicates the importance of examining this population at their workspot like industries. 22287 industrial workers were examined for leprosy by paramedical auxiliaries in their establishments and 270 leprosy cases were detected (P.R. 12/1000). However, only 13 multibacillary cases (P.R. 0.5/1000) could be unearthed. 12 patients were with grade II and above. 184 (83%) were untreated. 161 (60%) patients reported for treatment. With available resources, case holding of patients who are not within the control area of the project becomes a challenging job for paramedical workers though large number of leprosy cases are detected amongst industrial workers. If industrial management arranges treatment for leprosy patients without dislocating them from their service, the pool of infection in the urban community will be reduced and can contribute tremendously towards urban leprosy control programme.