Leprosy does not spread through touch: Dr Rajeev Mahato

Sparsh organizes leprosy awareness campaign in Potka

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Feb 14: The 15 day leprosy awareness campaign titled ‘Sparsh’ organized by the district health department came to a conclusion on Monday. A colourful programme was organized in Balidih village of Potka block to mark the occasion. A host of dignitaries including local village representatives were present during the programme. They were administered oath to bring leprosy patients in the social mainstream. District Leprosy Consultant Dr Rajeev Lochan Mahato and Bank of India official Thakur Prasad jointly inaugurated the event.

Dr Mahato said leprosy may be completely cured by taking medicines. He said leprosy was not communicated through touch and that it had nothing to do with the sins of previous lives as believed by many people. Treatment of leprosy is freely available at all government health centres. Medicines and consultation are also free, he said.

Dr Mahato said timely treatment may prevent disability caused by leprosy.

A competition for women and children was organized later in the day today and prizes were distributed among the winners. Many villages were also present during the event.