Anti-Leprosy day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30, 2011:
As in other parts of the country, Anti-Leprosy Day held in commemoration of the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi, was observed here today along with taking out a mass rally to spread the message of early detection of Leprosy for early cure.
Organised under the aegis of State Leprosy Society, Medical Directorate, Govt of Manipur, the rally was flagged off from the RD Wing of Medical Directorate at Lamphelpat by chief guest of the observance, Director of Health Services Dr S Ibomcha.
After passing through important locations of Imphal, the rallyists converged at the hall of RD Wing where the main observance function was held.
At the outset of the function, the participants observed one minute silence as a mark of respect to Mahatma Gandhi and offered floral tributes to his photograph.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Ibomcha observed that Leprosy may be infectious, but it is curable if detected and treated earlier.
It is caused by a bacteria known as Mycobacterium leprae.
Till 1940, there was no other treatment for Leprosy.
So, the Leprosy patients were kept segregated from the rest of the society.
However, 1954, the Government of India launched National Leprosy Control Programme with the main objective of eradicating Leprosy and administering of the medicine known as Dapsone (Monotherapy) to the patients started.
In Manipur too, there have been thousands of Leprosy patients since ancient time.
So far, 8370 patients have been treated successfully and 18 others are being treated presently, he informed, adding that the target of reducing cases of Leprosy was achieved in 2001. State Leprosy Officer Dr Kh Pramodkumar Singh and member of AMMDLEA Kh Rajen were also present during the observance function as president and guest of honour respectively.