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District Leprosy office identified 238 Leprosy patients in
2019 Government Hospitals provide diagnostic and treatment facilities free of
cost to such patients
Leprosy is
not just a disease but a social, economical and psychological problem that can
be solved only with the help of society. Keeping in mind the same, an awareness
campaign is planned by Leprosy Health Control Officer supported by the Health
Ministry for 15 days, starting from 30th of January on Gandhi Nirvana Day. The
purpose is to help people to understand leprosy disease as well as alleviate
feelings of hatred towards those patients.
District Leprosy
Officer Dr. Rajan Finawaker said that 238 new leprosy patients were identified,
diagnosed and treated till December 2019-20. Where else, 341 new patients were
benefitted with treatment of the disease in the year 2018-19 in Vadodara
district. Important to note here is that the Government Hospitals provide free
of cost facility for diagnose and to cure the same.
If any scar
appears on the body it may be leprosy infected, therefore it is advisable to
have a diagnosis at a nearby government hospital for the same.
The disease
is caused by a bacterium called Micro-bacterium Lapri and is an infectious
disease usually spread through air. Initially due to lack of understanding and
awareness regarding the disease such scars do not result in any disruption to daily
work, resulting in negligence which in long run results in limb deformity and
disability, therefore one needs to be precautious from the beginning itself and
cure the same.
Along with
Vadodara district other districts from South Gujarat are also found with high
number of leprosy patients. That is the reason Leprosy Prevention Day is
celebrated is these districts through rallies and various awareness programs
giving details on symptoms and treatment regarding the same through campaigns.
Dr.
Finawaker also said that such works are supported by non- governmental
organizations providing voluntary services. He also urged people to involve in
the celebration and contribute to the formation of a leprosy free society.