Leprosy Treatment in India
About Leprosy
Key Highlights
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Highly Effective Cure: Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) is a globally proven, highly effective regimen that cures leprosy and stops its transmission.Prevents Disability: Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage, deformities, and disabilities.Comprehensive Care: Management by an Internal Medicine specialist includes not just antibiotics but also monitoring for reactions, managing complications, and providing holistic patient support.listrongFree Treatment:/strong In many countries, including India, the WHO-supplied MDT is provided free of charge through national health programs./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of one or more hypopigmented or reddish skin patches with definite loss of sensation.
- Thickening or tenderness of peripheral nerves, such as the ulnar nerve near the elbow or the peroneal nerve near the knee.
- Skin smear or biopsy positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) confirming Mycobacterium leprae.
- History of progressive numbness or weakness in the hands, feet, or face.
- Development of nodules or thickened skin on the face (leonine facies).
How to prepare
- Consultation & Diagnosis: A thorough clinical examination by the internist, including a sensory test on skin patches.
- Diagnostic Tests: Preparation for a skin slit smear or a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and classify the type of leprosy.
- Baseline Assessments: A detailed neurological examination to assess nerve function and document any existing impairments.
- Patient Counseling: Detailed education about the disease, the long-term nature of treatment, the importance of adherence, and addressing social stigma.
- Medical History Review: Disclosure of all current medications and allergies to ensure safe antibiotic prescription.
Risks & possible complications
- Drug Reactions: Side effects from MDT drugs, such as skin pigmentation (clofazimine), hemolysis in G6PD deficient patients (dapsone), or hepatitis (rifampicin).
- Lepra Reactions: Acute inflammatory episodes (Type 1 or Type 2) causing existing lesions to become swollen and painful, which can lead to rapid nerve damage if not treated promptly.
- Progressive Nerve Damage: Despite treatment, some nerve impairment may progress, leading to loss of sensation, muscle weakness, and deformities.
- Relapse: In a small percentage of cases, the disease may recur after completion of treatment, requiring a new course of therapy.
- Social & Psychological Impact: Coping with stigma, social isolation, and the psychological burden of a chronic disease.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Strict Medication Adherence: Completing the full course of MDT (6-12 months or more) as prescribed is non-negotiable for cure.
- Regular Follow-ups: Monthly visits initially to collect medication and for the doctor to monitor for drug side effects and lepra reactions.
- Self-Care for Anesthesia: Daily self-examination of hands and feet for injuries, proper wound care, and wearing protective footwear to prevent ulcers.
- Managing Reactions: Immediate reporting of any new pain, swelling, or fever. Reactions are managed with additional medications like corticosteroids.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength, and to prevent contractures.
- Long-term Monitoring: Annual check-ups for several years after cure to monitor for any signs of relapse or new nerve damage.
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Typical hospital stay:
Usually outpatient (0 days)
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Expected recovery time:
6 to 12+ months (treatment duration)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering leprosy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for leprosy in India include Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform leprosy. MediFyr helps you compare internal medicine specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for leprosy compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Leprosy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing leprosy.
Gurgaon, India
141 Doctors
My 82-year-old father was admitted with...
My 82-year-old father was admitted with severe pneumonia and multiple complications. Dr. Suhas MS not only managed his complex condition with expertise but took the time to explain every medication change to our family. His compassionate approach made a frightening situation manageable, and Dad is now recovering beautifully at home.
Internal Medicine Specialists for Leprosy
Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform leprosy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 21 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 16 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 14 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 17 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 10 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 11 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 18 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 33 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 11 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 17 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 10 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 28 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram