KOCHI: Dr Ramesh Bhat, the new national president of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) said that in view of epidemics of fungal infections and tropical steroid abuse, community awareness programmes must be augmented. “All dermatologists should avoid supporting irrational and unscientific steroid and antifungal preparations. It is disheartening to note that there are nearly 353 clobetasol, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial preparations in the Indian market detrimental to Indian skin health. My request to all pharmaceutical companies is to stop manufacture of these preparations,” Dr Ramesh Bhat said.
He said that even though leprosy cases have come down, it is disturbing to note that more lepromatous/histoid and pediatric cases are coming up. He said his organisation is keen to join hands with the government to fight the trend by conducting camps. He also urged insurance agencies to include admission and biologic therapies for life threatening problems like pemphigus and psoriasis under health insurance and urged his colleagues to be ethical and responsible in their practice. “It is unfortunate to note that our specialty is the most invaded specialty by all and sundry to cash in on the new-found fascination for fair skin. A tsunami of quackery is creeping into our specialty. Our own members should desist from training and empowering these so called cosmetologists,” Dr Bhat said.
The four-day conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr Giovanni Pellacani, president, World Dermatology Congress. Dr Yogesh Marfatia, outgoing president of IADVL, presided over the function. Organising committee chairman Dr. V.P. Kuriyipe, secretary, Dr M.M. Faizal, Dr Shyamanta Barua and Dr Uma Sankar Nagaraju addressed the gathering. Over 1,000 papers based on 160 related topics, are being presented as dissertations at the meeting.
