Bhubaneswar: A SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Programme, part of a nationwide initiative to create consciousness about the disease, was organised by the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
The programme aimed to promote community awareness, sensitisation about early detection of leprosy and stigma reduction related to the disease.
Dr Rajendra Malik, Additional Director (Leprosy) in the state health department, and Dr Pushparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of IMSSH, graced the event. They emphasized the importance of early identification of symptoms. They informed the people about free availability of treatment. They also stressed the need to eliminate the social stigma associated with the disease.
As part of the awareness activities, medical interns presented the objectives and key messages of the SPARSH Leprosy Awareness Campaign through display of informative posters and an engaging play. This was followed by a second play enacted by the nursing staff to highlight the signs and symptoms of leprosy and the importance of timely treatment.
Community members, who attended the event, appreciated the informative and interactive format of the programme organised under the leadership of Dr Sumitra Patnaik and the intern coordinator Dr Mahima Panigrahi.
The event reinforced the message that leprosy is curable, treatment is available free of cost at government health facilities and early reporting can prevent disability. The programme concluded with a call for community participation in identifying suspected cases and supporting persons affected by leprosy without discrimination.
Members of the faculty, Dr E Venkata Rao, Dr Sambedana Mohanty, Dr Smriti Madhusikta and D. Subhashree Samantaray, along with postgraduate trainees from the Department of Community Medicine and Infectious Diseases attended.
