The workshop on “Leprosy: Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Clinical Interventions” was jointly organized by SAKSHAM Savita, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune on 4th July, 2025 at NIN, Pune. It addressed the continuing clinical, rehabilitative, and psychosocial challenges faced by Leprosy Cured but Deformed Persons (LCDPs), particularly during the neglected post-cure phase despite the success of multidrug therapy (MDT).
The discussions emphasized that while MDT has controlled transmission, many LCDPs continue to suffer from chronic ulcers, deformities, immune reactions, disability, malnutrition, stigma, and social exclusion. Conventional biomedical care alone is inadequate to manage these long-term, multidimensional issues. In this context, AYUSH systems were highlighted as holistic, culturally rooted, and community-oriented approaches capable of integrating physical, mental, and social well-being with modern clinical care.
A key focus of the workshop was the capacity building of AYUSH professionals in rehabilitation of LCDPs and the strengthening of community-based health models. Particular emphasis was placed on proposed large-scale clinical interventions for chronic leprosy-related ulcers, for implementation in community settings.
Technical sessions covered clinical aspects of leprosy, including diagnosis, nerve involvement, immune reactions, deformities, and trophic ulcers, and sustainable long-term rehabilitation. Sessions on chronic ulcer management explored wound-healing mechanisms, biomaterial-based approaches, and low-cost self-care innovations. A hands-on demonstration of ulcer dressing conducted at the Antule Nagar colony, provided practical training in wound care and home-based management, highlighting the need for integrated clinical and community-based rehabilitation for LCDPs.
Prof. Dr. K. Satya Lakshmi, Director of the NIN, Pune, Prof. Dr. Avinash Madhav Wachasundar, ENT Surgeon and National Vice President of SAKSHAM, Prof. Dr. Kiran Shaw, Deputy Director of Dr. Bandorwala Govt. Leprosy Hospital, Kondhwa, Pune, Shri. R.Siva and Dr S.Sivasubramanian, Volunteers of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, Eminent Anthropologist Prof. R. K. Mutatkar, Dr. Kalpana Mutatkar, Former Director of Dr. Bandorwala Government Leprosy Hospital, Pune, delivered lectures and demonstrations. 64 delegates including 53 AYUSH medical professionals, volunteers serving LCDPs, LCDPs, service organizations participated in the workshop.