Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Health authorities have started a special drive to screen over 37,000 people at risk for leprosy in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district under the Kusum programme.
The drive is part of the govt programme to eliminate leprosy transmission by 2027.
District health officer Abhijeet Dhanorkar said the five-day screening drive was initiated on Dec 16.
“We are screening jail inmates, brick kiln labourers, mining and construction workers, migrant labourers, and students staying at hostels during the drive. We are taking the help of Asha workers and other volunteers to reach out to the people,” he said.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease that inflicts nerve damage and chronic skin sores.
Dhanorkar said leprosy is curable with a combination of drugs and multi-drug therapy.
“Skin lesions, loss of sensation in affected areas, and painless wounds or burns are early signs of leprosy. Suspected patients should undergo evaluation without wasting time and avail of free treatment available at govt hospitals if found infected,” he said.
The screening drive was launched at Peer Bazaar on Dec 16 in the presence of health officer with the local civic body Dr Paras Mandlecha, and assistant director of health (leprosy) Dr Shivkumar Halkude.
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