On the occasion of Anti Leprosy Day, State Health Society – National Leprosy Eradication

On the occasion of Anti Leprosy Day, State Health Society – National Leprosy Eradication Programme under National Health Mission, Chandigarh started the “Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC)” from Jan 30- Feb 13 2023 . In this regard, a ceremony was held in the Office of Director Health Services, GMSH-Sec-16, which was presided by Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare –Cum – Mission Director (NHM), U.T Chandigarh. In the ceremony, tribute was paid to the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi by lighting a lamp and offering flowers. The 14 day campaign was started by reading out the Message of Sh. Banwari Lal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T., Chandigarh that all efforts will be made to detect Leprosy patients as early as possible. The aim of the campaign is to sensitize the residents of Chandigarh about the disease, making them aware about the signs and symptoms of leprosy, namely any patch with loss of sensations or numbness in hands and feet and the fact that the disease is curable with timely treatment which is available free of cost at all the Government Hospitals of Chandigarh. For creating awareness amongst the general public of Chandigarh the message will also be spread through radio jingles on My FM – 94.3 and Audio Announcements and scroll displays through PA system installed at Traffic Lights. This year SLAC theme is “Lets fight Leprosy & Make Leprosy a history”
Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health & Family Welfare –Cum – Mission Director (NHM), U.T., Chandigarh urged the residents to expel discrimination, stigma and fear of leprosy patients and help them to merge them into the mainstream of the society. On this occasion Dr V. K. Nagpal, MS, Dr. Paramjit Singh, DMS, Dr. Vandana Mohan, DFW Officer, U.T. Chandigarh urged the people to spread awareness about leprosy in their community and avail the treatment of leprosy at the nearest Health &Wellness Centers to make Chandigarh Leprosy free Dr. Manjeet Pal, State Leprosy Officer, Dr. Simrat Kaur, HOD skin and all Programme Officers were also present on this occasion.