In connection with World Leprosy Day, aimed to increase public awareness that leprosy can be easily prevented and cured, several functions were held across Kashmir division to disseminate the anti leprosy consciousness among the people so that they are made aware about this crippling disease and eradicates it from the society. The date for World Leprosy Day was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Indian freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948. In Srinagar, World Leprosy Day was held at JLNH hospital which was organized by Directorate of Health Services Kashmir. The Union Health Ministry has decided to organize a massive awareness campaign nationwide from today till February 13 to intensify leprosy detection campaign in the country to curb and tackle with leprosy.Among others, the function was attended by SDM, Srinagar, Syed Haneef Balkhi, CMO, Srinagar, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Malik, Medical officers from Leper Hospital, ASHA coordinator; officials from Social Welfare Department, besides medical and paramedical staff form Health Services.Speaking at the occasion, SDM appealed the people to contribute a bit and come forward to eradicate this disease. He also read the World Leprosy Day message besides took oath along with all the officials in order to ensure all possible steps to eradicate such crippling disease. He said Leprosy is caused by a germ and is not a curse, but curable.Deliberating on the different aspects of the disease, CMO, Srinagar, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Malik said, “If there is an early detection of this disease, the patient can be cured and can lead a normal life afterwards.”He said that treatment for the disease is free of cost throughout the country.
Similarly the anti leprosy day was observed in other districts of the valley to aware general public regarding the measures to be taken for eradication of leprosy.At Budgam, The Department of Health in collaboration with District Sparsh Leprosy held an awareness campaign at new conference hall Budgam. The Day long programme was inaugurated by District Development Commissioner, Mir Altaf Ahmad in presence of CMO Budgam Dr. G.M. Dar, Programme Officer, CDS Budgam, Chief Education Officer and other concerned Officer.Speaking on the occasion the DDC urged upon all stake holders including general public to spread the awareness regarding the precautions and remedies to fully eradicate the disease.At Pulwama, to raise awareness about leprosy eradication, District Leprosy Society organized a Leprosy awareness camp at Old District Hospital Pulwama.Speaking on the occasion CMO informed that a series of awareness programmes including rally, seminars, and specials camps regarding leprosy which is a curable disease, shall be held in the district to provide medical assistance to people living with leprosy.AT KUPWARA: In connection with Sparish Leprosy awareness campaign a function was held at DC Office complex Kupwara inaugurated by District Development Commissioner, G.M Dar. The CMO Kupwara, Dr. Zakir Hussain read the message of District Leprosy Society about the WHO Global Health Leprosy Programme the topic of the day was ( Let us fear neither leprosy nor the person suffering with leprosy.
At ANANTNAG, District Leprosy Society, Anantnag today organized an awareness camp on sparsh leprosy at MMABM, District Hospital. The Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, was the chief guest on the occasion. He stressed upon the civil society, Health Department to mobilize village and urban committees for the eradication of the diseases. He said that the leprosy diseases is totally curable at all stages and is not a communicable disease. Signs and symptoms help to detect the leprosy cases.The CMO Anantnag, on the occasion said that only three patients of the district are suffering from leprosy and they are being provided free of cost medicines. He also informed that Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) is available free of cost at all government hospitals of the district. At GANDERBAL, in connection with Sparsh Leprosy Awareness campaign also marked as Anti leprosy day, two week long campaign organized by District Health Society Ganderbal was today inaugurated by District Development Commissioner, Tariq Hussain Ganai in Town hall, Ganderbal.A rally was taken out by health workers and Asha’s from District Hospital to Town hall carrying placards, banners pleading awareness about the disease.Speaking on the occasion, the DDC urged all stakeholder and various concerned Departments and NGOs to play their role in Sparsh Lebrosy Campaign.
At Kulgam, the Deputy Commissioner, Showkat Aijaz Bhat today inaugurated one day SPARSH anti Leprosy camp here in the meeting Hall of DC Office. The camp was organized by Director Health Services Kashmir in collaboration with District Leprosy Society Kulgam. The DC on the occasion, pledged to take forward the anti Leprosy campaign till the whole society will become Leprosy free. He enjoyed upon the health officials including doctors to show compassion while dealing with such patients. The camp was informed by CMO Kulgam, Dr Mohammed Shafi Darsi that 61 Leprosy patients are being treated in the district by giving them supporting medicines & other necessary items. While as one new case has also been identified during recent survey.At Shopian, the District Leprosy Society today organised awareness cum training programme for the supervisors and ASHA workers of Health Department at CMO office.The District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri presided over the function, while as Chief Medical Officer through a PowerPoint presentation educated the supervisors and ASHA workers about the signs and symptoms of Leprosy. He said in district Shopian 20 leprosy cases have been treated successfully and during past two years no such case has been registered.On the occasion, the DDC directed the members of District Leprosy Society to undertake a massive anti leprosy campaign in the district. He also emphasized on using social media as well as electronic and print media in the fight against the leprosy.