Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MM)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Jan 30: Even though advanced treatment is available for leprosy, many people do not come forward because of their social misgivings. The social organizations should create awareness in the society to eradicate leprosy, said Dr H Jagannath, district health officer (DHO).

Speaking at a function organized by St Joseph Leprosy Hospital (unit of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions) to observe anti-leprosy day on Wednesday January 30 he said that leprosy is like any other disease in the society and the need of the hour is to create awareness in the society about it.

Earlier, speaking about complications and treatment of leprosy, Dr Jerome Pinto of K S Hegde Medical Academy said that leprosy is a social problem which should be dealt with kindness and compassion.

'World Health Organization (WHO) had long ago declared that leprosy had been eradicated in most of the countries, but one can see leprosy cases being reported frequently. Timely treatment can solve many kinds of leprosy cases,’ he informed.

Dr Nandakishore of Fr Muller Medical College said that once the treatment course is over for leprosy, the patient merges with the society. That should be the endeavour of a doctor, he added.

Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions, Fr Denis D’Sa, administrator of Fr Muller Medical College, Sr Irene, nursing superintend and Dr Rajesh, in-charge of DLO were present on this occasion.