Ferozepur, 08 February(Punjab khabarnama) : Leprosy is not curable provided this disease is detected on time and treatment is started. These words were said by Dr. Gurmej Deputy Medical Commissioner during a ceremony organized at Anand Dham Leprosy Ashram on the occasion of World Leprosy Day fortnight. On this occasion, he told the patients living at the Leprosy Ashram that the health department is committed to provide all kinds of health facilities to them.
He said that awareness about this disease is very important and the purpose of celebrating this day is to make people aware about the causes, symptoms and treatment of this disease. He also appealed that leprosy patients should not be discriminated against in the society and they should be helped to join the mainstream of the society.
On this occasion, District Leprosy Officer Dr. Naveen said that there are many misconceptions about leprosy in the society. He expressed concern that leprosy is associated with the fruits of old karma, whereas this disease is caused by an organism called Microbacterium leprae. He also told that it is not a congenital disease. Deputy Mass Media Officer Sandeep also gave information about the facilities provided by the Health Department to leprosy patients under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme.
He said that such a scar on the body or a mark of numbness on the skin, the color of the skin being like copper can be the symptoms of this disease. He also told that the course of medicine should be completed with medical advice to avoid this disease. On this occasion, the department distributed supportive medicine, shoes, medicines, bandages etc. to the patients living in the leprosy ashram. On this occasion, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was remembered and flowers of devotion were offered to him. On this occasion MPHW Vikas and Ashish and others were present.
