Leprosy is treatable and its treatment is available free of cost in government hospitals

World Leprosy Prevention Day was celebrated on Thursday at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya Jakhu Hills Shimla. On this occasion, Chief Medical Officer District Shimla Dr Rakesh Pratap while giving information said that Leprosy Prevention Day is celebrated on 30 January every year with the aim of increasing awareness about leprosy at the global level, motivating patients for treatment and removing social evils related to leprosy. This year, on the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, this day is being celebrated on the topic of Unite Act Elimination Leprosy.
The Chief Medical Officer informed that leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leper bacteria. It has no relation with sin, God’s punishment or religion. Leprosy is a long-term infection that causes symptoms like muscle weakness, skin lesions, numbness in hands and feet. He informed that the bacteria causing leprosy grow very slowly, so it may take many years for the symptoms of infection to appear. He informed that the treatment of this disease is completely possible, and the medicine for this disease is available free of cost in government health institutions. On this occasion, all the 305 students and teachers present in the school were sworn in to end discrimination against leprosy. Giving information, the Chief Medical Officer informed that such awareness campaigns are being celebrated at all the block levels of the district and while appealing to the general public, he said that they should be aware of the symptoms so that it can be diagnosed and treated in time so that disability can be avoided.
He said that we should make successful efforts to connect leprosy patients with the mainstream of society by having a feeling of compassion and affection towards them.