Bhubaneswar, Jan. 31: Though dreaded, leprosy is a disease which is completely curable if diagnosed early and the patient received consistent treatment using multidrug therapy (MDT), experts said at a program organised at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital here to mark the World Leprosy Day on Friday.
“Our goal is to convey the message to the community that early detection and treatment of leprosy will not only cure the patient but prevent any disability. Besides, we want to counter the taboo surrounding the disease,” Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinghar, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, said.
It is true that leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae but early treatment with MDT can prevent the progression of the disease and permanent nerve damage which lead to disabilities and deformities, he said.
Actually, leprosy does not spread easily and through casual contact but fear of discrimination often prevents people from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment leading to complications and continued transmission of the infection, Prof. (Dr.) Samantasinghar said.
The theme for this year’s World Leprosy Day was ‘Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma’ which aimed to raise awareness about the disease and encourage collaborative action to eliminate the same, he said.
The program, which began with a walkathon and rally, was graced by Dr. Sanjay Ray, Chief District Medical Officer, Khurda, Dr. Rajendra Mallick, Additional District Public Health Officer and Dr. Saumya Kant, District Leprosy Consultant. The Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Skin, Venereology and Dermatology of IMS and SUM Hospital had jointly organized the event which was attended by doctors, nurses and patients.
Dr. Ray stressed that all the stakeholders should come together to join the battle against leprosy and achieve the goal of eradication of the disease. The government was providing free MDT drugs to fight leprosy, he said.
Dr. Ajay Jena, Additional Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital and Professor of Skin and VD, Dr. Subhashree Samantaray and Dr. Satish Swain of Department of Infectious Diseases were present.
