|
(2) Dr. G Rajan Babu, The Leprosy Mission India Trust
ILEP CONTRIBUTION TO UTTAR PRADESH STATE
A. District Technical Support Teams (Zonal Teams Leprosy Project 1st Phase)
In April 1998 the Government of India, the Government of Uttar Pradesh(UP), ILEP member organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU). This MOU outlined the collaboration in support of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) in the State of Uttar Pradesh, through establishment of the Zonal Teams Leprosy Project. The basic objective ofthe project is to strengthen NLEP activities within the existing infrastructure of the State Government by providing technical assistance and guidance to the staff of leprosy Control Units and PHC staff of the district, This was envisaged through placement of a maximum of 16 Zonal Support Teams, later expanded to 28. The MoU was planned for three years, starting 1st September 1998.
In the course of 2001 the bifurcation of the State of UP was effectuated and the State of Uttaranchal was created.
In accordance with the MoU, the project was evaluated jointly by representatives of Government of India, Government of UP, ILEP members and NLEP State Co-ordinator in September 2001.
Major findings and conclusions of evaluation report of the above project, which was in place for 3 years, were
Achievements
･ There is considerable progress towards integration in UP: in principle it has been accepted at all levels of the health system that PHCs Will diagnose and treat leprosy and that sbcentre staff should be able to identify and refer suspects and continue the treatment of confirmed cases. This is the first step towards integration. Zonal Support Teams have contributed to this development through sensitization, training and guidance of NLEP and General Health Service (GHS) staff.
･ The Zonal Support Teams work as catalysts in stimulating, facilitating and working together with the NLEP and GHS staff.
･ Zonal Support Teams have a good collaboration with district health authorities and the relationship with GHS staff is in general very good.
Recommendations for continuation of the project
In view of the conclusion that the Project has significantly contributed to performance of NLEP in the districts and to the progress towards integration the evaluation team recommended that Zonal Support Teams support should be continued till the process of integration is completed.
B. District Technical Support Teams (2nd phase)
In the second phase of support by ILEP members has started by placing 24 Districts Technical Support Teams to cover 70 districts which has been agreed upon by State Government and ILEP member organizations. MoU has already been signed by State Government and ILEP member organizations. Each DTST consists of one Medical Officer, one Non Medical Supervisor and one Para Medical Worker with a vehicle and driver. Each DTST covers 3 districts on an average. The objective of DTSTs during the second phase is to support State Government of Uttar Pradesh in effectively integrating the NLEP within the General Health Services.
C. MLEC III Evaluation
MLEC III evaluation which was done in Uttar Pradesh in October 2001, was evaluated by ILEP member organizations in consultation with Government of India and State Government. Diagnostic efficacy of Medical Officers of PHC was found to be good. The re-registration of cases was low. This reflects efficient registration practice.
D. Other areas of contribution
1 . Hospital and Training Units
ILEP through its three referral hospitals (Naini, Faizabad and Barabanki) in the state, admitting the patients with complications and providing reconstructive surgical facilities. There are 1540 patients' admissions and 240 patients undergo reconstructive surgeries every year.
The training unit attached to one of the hospitals (Naini) provides formal and non-formal training in leprosy. The paramedical staff trained were 1041 and Medical Officers underwent orientation were 86 at this training unit.
2. Leprosy Control Unit
ILEP members have 15 leprosy control units covering a population of 72,00,000 and carrying out case detection, treatment, disability care and health education activities. Around 6700 new cases are being detected every year through these control units.
3. Vocational Training Centre(VTC)
A VTC has recently started at Faizabad to provide formal and non-formal training in different trades to persons affected by leprosy and for their family members.
4. Support for Education
Support for schooling and boarding facilities are provided to children affected by leprosy and children of leprosy back ground by special projects (at Lucknow and Meerut) to continue their education. These children are mainly from leprosy colonies.
E. Resources
The cost of providing 24 DTSTs is Rs. 25 million and maintenance cost for referral hospitals/leprosy control units and VTC is Rs. 49 million every year.
Dr. G. Rajan Babu
Deputy Director
The Leprosy Mission Trust India
New Delhi - India
|
