Be the change that you want to see in the world

Be the change that you want to see in the world

-Mahatma Gandhi

Dr. SR Narahari, Director, Institute of Applied Dermatology, Kasaragod, Kerala

As we step into the third decade in bringing relief to the disabled lymphoedema patients, the Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) is looking ahead to expand its service to treat Filariasis patients across the country. Our expertise and research in integrative medicine have helped us to achieve this landmark treatment for patients suffering from lymphatic filariasis or lymphedema. IAD today stands tall as a major dermatology hospital in the world bringing relief to the patients suffering from filariasis.

The importance of integrative medicine in the treatment of lymphoedema  has now become a benchmark in the medical world. We now look ahead to expand the research base to other diseases that are impeding the development of India. It is a proud moment for all of us, that Team IAD , a strong and confident group is  now ready to take further challenges in finding answers to many diseases with integrative medicine.

The two decades of data-driven research have given a positive outcome which helps to treat other chronic diseases in the country. We are now looking at finding answers to other most difficult problems such as Psoriasis, Vitiligo, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis through integrative medicine.

We are among the leading centers for lymphoedema in the world and are acknowledged by peers as the best center for lymphedema care in the world. Achieving this quality in treatment outcomes to attract the worldwide attention of lymphologists and lymphedema patients in the Indian scenario is a saga of overcoming numerous hurdles for more than 20 years.

Our commitment to research in integrative medicine has changed the global dynamics of the treatment of lymphoedema and Lymphatic Filariasis. The focus and philosophy of Applied Dermatology are within a Public Health Framework. Further, we wish to improve the health of the community with a focus on the skin and neglected tropical diseases. Our philosophy is to help the poor, the neglected, the underprivileged patients to extend the health care facility.

The new Millennium saw a huge expansion of the corporate hospitals, supported by the Government policy that gradually led to the elimination of primary care in private health care systems in India. We have built a patient-centric hospital that could invent treatment protocols applicable to both urban and rural setups. We imbibe the Oslerian (humanist) wisdom, “the best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered, and so that the sick may have the benefit of advancing knowledge, the union of forces is necessary”.

We began to generate new knowledge of 'bedside integrative medicine' through the application of principles of Cochrane collaboration's evidence-based medicine on Ayurveda's clinical medicine and treatments. It required a strong international collaboration that was realized through the Mentorship of Prof Terence Ryan, emeritus professor of dermatology, Oxford Brookes University, UK.

Prof Ryan guided us to focus on one worldwide problem that is lymphoedema (majority caused by Lymphatic Filariasis). He brought in the vast clinical experience of his students specializing in lymphoedema. Their involvement brings the latest knowledge of biomedicine with its logic and structure for investigating a chronic patient in IAD. Their guidance helped to develop integrative medicine and taking it to the global level. We organized ten national colloquiums that provided a global platform for research and disseminating the knowledge on lymphoedema and its treatment.

As we are looking at the expansion to treat millions of Lymphatic Filariasis patients, we need to focus on more intense research on the simplification of treatment. Integrative medicine research requires clinicians to work with pathologists, scientists, and data scientists. We are now looking at collaboration with more institutions, individuals, and hand-holding with governments and NGOs to reach our goal. At this juncture, we are depending on the self-generated funds to finance our research and need funding from government agencies and private partnerships.

We are hopeful that the research grant-making process in India will soon become transparent and adapt itself to the new era revival of AYUSH which is holistic, intersectoral, and more of macro than micro/molecular requiring indigenous thinking than relying upon West driven hypothesis or using public funds to test their technology. However, the changing scenario requires error-free systems/processes through digitalization which is now the set goal for IAD.