Training Program on Leprosy Awareness and Treatment held in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: A two-day leprosy-related training program for nodal leprosy medical officers and leprosy workers was organized under the National Leprosy Eradication Program in the District Council Auditorium, East Singhbhum. The training was conducted by experts, including Somshekhar Reddy, State Coordinator Dr. Gautam Kumar, and Regional Coordinator Kamdev Besra, who provided comprehensive information on leprosy symptoms, types, treatment, disability prevention, and medical rehabilitation.

District Leprosy Prevention Officer Dr. Mrityunjay Dhauriya emphasized that early identification and timely treatment are key to preventing disabilities caused by leprosy. He highlighted that MDT (Multi-Drug Therapy) medicines are available free of cost at all government health centers.

District Leprosy Consultant Dr. Rajiv Lochan Mahato shared the success of the Leprosy Patient Search Campaign (LCDC), conducted from August 28 to September 13, 2024. The campaign deployed teams of Saheya workers and male health workers for an intensive door-to-door search, identifying 185 leprosy patients who were promptly provided with free MDT medicines.

Dr. Rajiv also informed participants about financial support for newly identified leprosy patients in the current financial year. PB (Paucibacillary) patients receive ₹500 per month, amounting to ₹3000 transferred directly to their bank accounts, while MB (Multibacillary) patients receive ₹6000 under the Food Supplements for Patients initiative.

Trainer Somshekhar Reddy provided detailed insights into managing reactions in leprosy patients, the role of reconstructive surgery, self-care, and the use of secondary-level referral centers.

The program concluded with the distribution of training certificates to nodal medical officers and leprosy workers. The efforts of Abhiranjan Das, Dursu Purti, Rishikesh Giri, and  Duryodhan Bagati played a pivotal role in making the program a success.