By K G Vasuki
Kasaragod (Kerala), Feb 9 (ANI): A cure for elephantiasis is now possible in India, thanks to efforts of Institute of Applied Dermatology in Kerala’s Kasaragod District.
This institute, has after over ten years of research, found a cure for elephantiasis by mixing both Ayurveda and English medicine.
Elephantiasis or Lymphatic Filariasis affects 25 million people across 15 states in the country, and this new method has helped to treat over 500 patients.
In an exclusive interview to ANI, Chief Dermatologist and one of the founders of this Institute, Dr. S R Narahari, described it as a pioneering effort, given the gravity of the disease which is affecting the whole social fabric of the patients who are suffering from elephantiasis”.
“Ayurveda and Yoga is a self care for the management of lymphoedema. A skin wash, dipping the infected leg in ayurvedic skin tonic, massaging with special oil and modern compression bandage and medicines are the uniqueness of this treatment,” he added.
Dr. Bose, the administrative principal of the Institute, said that it is necessary for patients to monitor and manage the disease as per prescription.
“The two week treatment costs the patient between rupees 15000 to 20,000 and is spread out over six months,” he added.
The Institute is working in collaboration with Professor Terance Ryan of Dermatology Department of Oxford Medical University and supported by the Indian Council of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and the Forum for Ethical Review Committee in India.
Janardhan, a 25-year old patient, was referred to the Institute and lost 18 kgs in his left leg in just six months. He wants this treatment to be extended to hundreds of other patients suffering from elephantiasis.
India with over 25 million people suffering from elephantiasis must worry over how it wants to combat this deadly disease effectively. But this new effective treatment can boast of at least 80 percent cure.
Lymphatic Filariasis is non-curable disease often affecting the legs and scrotum resulting in chronic swelling, scaring and extreme disability. It is also known as elephantiasis because the swollen leg resembles that of an elephant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) named filariasis as the fourth leading cause of disability in the world. (ANI)

• Will Ryan