On the occasion of World Leprosy day, the Mohali health department conducted an awareness rally from the district hospital here today. The rally was flagged off by Civil Surgeon Dr Sangeeta Jain. Students of a nursing college participated in the rally that carried placards bearing slogans breaking the stigma associated with leprosy and information that leprosy is not a hereditary disease.
While flagging off the rally, Dr Jain said that leprosy is not a contagious disease as it is generally considered and it is a totally curable disease. ‘The purpose of this rally is to send a message to the people that the leprosy patients are a vital part of our society and they should not be discriminated against in any way.
These people need love compassion and touch of the society as they too have the right to live as healthy people do have.” said Dr Jain. She further said that leprosy is a bacterial infection that grows very slowly and can have severe health consequences if treatment is not received.
It attacks the nervous system, causing significant disfigurement. Elaborating about symptoms, causes and treatment of the disease. District Leprosy officer Jayti Batra said that treatment for the disease is free in all public health institutions.
The patient is cured within six months to one year. On this occasion SMO Dr. H.S. Cheema, Dr. Parminderjit Singh, Dr. Rajmamita Bhattacharjee, Dr. Manish Gupta, Dr. Shalin, District Mass Media Officer Harcharan Singh, NSS Gurjinder Singh etc. were present.