The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) (iadvl.org) , the largest official body of Indian Dermatologists was established in its present form on 28th January, 1973. IADVL also happens to be the world’s second largest Association of Dermatologists, second only to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is the national association of Indian medical specialists who manage patients with Skin (Hair and Nail included) disorders, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Leprosy. The current member strength of the association is over 12,500. The IADVL has several state branches. The Telangana State IADVL (TSIADVL) is one such branch.
The association has academic activities to update its members on the continuing advances in their fields, public education on skin health and disease and misuse of medications, conducting health camps etc.
To enable patients to locate qualified skin specialists in Telangana
The advances in dermatology have revolutionized not only the treatment of skin diseases, but also brought forth better options for many cosmetic & beauty related problems. This has led to increased importance and demand for dermatology specialties. However, many underqualified, sometimes unqualified persons (quacks) pose themselves as dermatologists, cosmetic/aesthetic dermatologists and exploit the public for commercial objectives.
Any doctor who practices and prescribes medicines about which he is not qualified in and not registered by the council constituted by law, is a mere pretender to the knowledge in that system and is a quack.
The Indian Medical Council Act of 1956 regulates practice of allopathic medicine. There is a prohibition directed against anyone who is not registered on any state medical register, and all such persons are precluded from practising allopathic medicine.
The common patient is not only misled by the quacks, but may also end up with medical complications.
IADVL, as a part of social responsibility, has taken up the issue of quackery, which has increased a lot all over India, causing undesired adverse effects and medical complications. IADVL has constituted a specific committee, IADVL Taskforce Against Quackery (ITAQ) to deal with Quackery and to take necessary steps with various statutory authorities against quacks who are claiming themselves as Skin Specialists/Cosmetologists/Aestheticians.
