Anti-leprosy fortnight observed in city

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 18

The Health Department observed anti-leprosy fortnight to spread awareness about the disease among residents. Various awareness programmes were held at government schools and orientation programmes were held to train ASHA workers to identify leprosy patients and get them treated.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Dr Nidhi Sharma, district leprosy officer, informed that the fortnightly programmes were commenced from January 30 to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On the occasion free supportive medicines were distributed at Guru Ram Das Kusht Ashram here and Radhe Sham Kusht Ashram at Beas. The patients were informed about taking necessary steps and preventive measures.

Similarly, Civil Hospital’s medical officers Charanjit Singh, Rajinder Arora and other specialist doctors besides staff members take a pledge to facilitate the leprosy patients and aware the people urging them to shun the discriminatory attitude towards the patients.

Orientation programmes were held at Manawala, Ramdass, Tarsikka, Baba Bakala and Thariyewal blocks and people were informed about symptoms, identification of the leprosy patients and their treatment. Awareness rallies were also organised in this connection, said Dr Nidhi Sharma.

The school children were told about the disease during morning assembly in government schools while a skit was presented at Government Senior Secondary School, Kiampura.

Dr Sharma informed that leprosy patients were provided free treatment at government hospitals and with early identification they could be saved from being handicapped permanently.

Leprosy is a curable disease and it can be treated by using the Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) approach, Sharma added.