KOCHI: The Indian Association of Dermatologists Venereologists and Leprologists Kerala chapter (IADVL) has urged the State government to initiate strict measures against quackery in dermatology. According to the Association, more and more unqualified individuals claiming skin specialists start clinics in the state due to lax regulations in the sector. In connection with World Skin Health Day on April 6, the Association has proposed series of recommendations to improve quality of dermatology treatments.
“Incidents of patients getting cheated by those with certificates from universities and autonomous institutions not recognised by Medical Council of India is on the rise. The pseudo-dermatologists practice cosmetology trea-tments like lasers, hair treatments and hair transplants which end up in severe complications and untreatable skin conditions,” said IADVL state president Dr. T. Salim. In view of the increasing incidents, the Association launched a task force against quackery which has been keeping a close watch on centres offering cosmetic skin treatments.
Last year, an MBBS student of Madras Medical College died after a hair transplant performed by unqualified persons at a hair transplant centre. “If procedures like hair transplant and removal of pimples and scars are not done in uninfected environment, it will result in serious health issues. Issues like excessive hair growth and pimples are the result of hormonal imbalance. For such problems, patients should consult dermatologists rather than going to beauty parlours or such institutions,” remarked Dr K. Firos, secretary of IADVL.
The state government has also been urged to provide free medicines at government hospitals for skin disorders like psoriasis which has already been introduced in Tamil Nadu. The IADVL has also approached the Insurance Regulatory Authority seeking insurance coverage for very expensive dermatology treatments. As part of World Skin Health Day the Association is conducting awareness programmes on skin care, misuse of steroids in skin treatments and vigilance against quackery.
