Health Department Observes Bapu’s Death Anniversary in Palamu

Leprosy Awareness and Patient Identification Campaign Launched

Palamu health officials marked Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary by launching the second phase of a leprosy awareness and patient identification drive.

Key Points:

• Leprosy awareness and patient identification campaign launched.
• The drive will run from January 30 to February 14.
• Community engagement planned through meetings and health camps.

MEDININAGAR – The Palamu Health Department commemorated the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Thursday with a special program at the Civil Surgeon’s office. Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar garlanded Bapu’s portrait and led a floral tribute by health officials.

Following the ceremony, the second phase of the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness and Patient Identification Campaign was officially launched.

Health Workers Take Oath

To ensure the success of the campaign, Dr. Anil Kumar administered an oath to health department officials, pledging their commitment to eradicating leprosy from Palamu. He emphasized the need for public awareness and collective efforts to eliminate the disease.

Campaign Duration and Activities

The campaign will be conducted across the district from January 30 to February 14. Various activities, including awareness meetings at the village level, oath-taking programs in anganwadi centers, schools, and health centers, will be organized.

Intensive Screening in Affected Areas

Civil Surgeon Dr. Kumar highlighted that villages where leprosy cases have been detected in the last five years will undergo intensive screening during the campaign. Health volunteers will conduct door-to-door physical examinations to identify new cases and educate the public about the disease.

Free Treatment and Public Awareness

People will be informed that leprosy is neither a curse nor a hereditary disease and that timely treatment can completely cure it. The public will also be made aware that free treatment and medication for leprosy are available at all government health centers.

Officials and Volunteers Involved

A meeting was held to discuss the effective implementation of the campaign. Present at the event were Dr. S.K. Ravi (District RCH Officer), Dr. Premchand (District Leprosy Consultant), Dr. Anoop Kumar, DPM Pradeep Sinha, and several health workers, including Sukh Ram Babu, Anil Pal, Vikas, Vinay, Asha, Priya Sinha, and Ajay.