Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) today organized Sparsh Leprosy Awareness campaign 2019-20 here at Government Leprosy Hospital Beharar, Lal Bazar.
The awareness campaign was held as part of DHSK’s anti leprosy fortnight activities themed ‘HaathMilayeh-KushthMitaayeen’ that commenced from January 30, coinciding world leprosy day.
The director Health Services Kashmir Dr Kunzes Dolma who was chief guest said that the government is determined to eradicate leprosy and overcome stigma related to it.
She said the government is observing anti leprosy fortnight every year to create awareness among people about leprosy diseases and prevention of deformity in body parts by its early treatment. Dr Dolma said that the government wants to put across a message to general public that leprosy patients should be treated compassionately adding that this is a non-communicable disease.
The director said that the deformity among the leprosy patients has been considerably checked after introduction of Multi Drug therapy, so if, hypo-pigmented patch on skin surfaces on anybody they should immediately consult doctor to treat it.
She later held interaction with leprosy patients, listened to their grievances and assured them of all possible help.
The chief medical Officer Srinagar, Dr Talat Jabeen highlighted the importance of observance of anti-leprosy day and fortnight. She said during this period the department heightens the awareness not only amongst the general public but also to sensitize and train the medical and paramedical health personnel on the current scenario and their involvement in the programme.
The incharge medical officer Government Leprosy Hospital Beharar, Dr Yasmeen and all district and block level officers were present on the occasion besides leprosy patients.