A five-day intensive screening drive to identify and treat leprosy cases among at-risk groups began on December 16 under the Kusum programme. The initiative is part of the government’s plan to eliminate leprosy transmission by 2027.
District health officer Abhijeet Dhanorkar said the drive aims to screen over 37,000 people, including jail inmates, brick kiln labourers, mining and construction workers, migrant labourers, and students in hostels. “We are utilizing the support of Asha workers and volunteers to maximize outreach,” he stated.
Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is a curable infectious disease that damages nerves and causes chronic skin lesions. Early signs include skin patches, loss of sensation, and painless wounds or burns. Dhanorkar urged suspected patients to seek immediate medical evaluation and access free treatment available at government hospitals.
As reported by economictimes, the screening drive was inaugurated at Peer Bazaar on December 16, with the participation of local civic health officer Dr. Paras Mandlecha and assistant director of health (leprosy) Dr. Shivkumar Halkude.