January 30, 2002
Siraha: Ten persons in every 12,000 people have been found suffering from leprosy in Siraha district.
According to statistics provided by Siraha district health office, some 768 persons suffering from leprosy are taking medicines regularly. Of them, 455 are new patients.
Out of total new patients, the number of female is 68 whereas children below 14 is 39. Twenty one persons have so far, got damaged parts of their body whereas 34 others have developed communicable leprosy.
An interaction programme between health workers and the government office chiefs was organised to elicit suggestions on how the malady can be checked. At the programme held under the joint auspices of Siraha district health office and the Netherlands Leprosy Relief Biratnagar, the participants suggested medication instead of relying on faith healers.
Speaking at the interaction programme, chief of the Siraha district health office Dr. Murali Prasad Singh informed the gathering that medicines are being distributed through 108 health post free of cost to the persons suffering from leprosy in keeping with the target of the government to eradicate leprosy from Nepal by 2003.
Chairman of Siraha DDC Bisheshwar Prasad Marwaita said that the government campaign against leprosy cannot succeed unless and until the people are made conscious about the malady.
CDO Bhola Prasad Shiwakoti, from the chair, called on one and all to assist the persons suffering from leprosy in getting medication by taking them to the nearby health posts.