National World Leprosy Day & Martyr’s Day
On the occasion of National world – leprosy day and Martyr’s day on 30th January 2019, we from the Department of Dermatology, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center organised a ‘free skin camp and Leprosy screening’ at Government General Hospital, Devanahalli.
The chief guest for the inaugural function was Dr. Nagaraj, District Leprosy Officer, Bengaluru rural and Dr. Ameez Ahmed, Taluk health officer, Devanahalli, Dr. Sunil Kumar Professor and HOD Dept of Community Medicine Other dignitaries included Dr. Shalini, District epidemiologist, Dr. M Rangaswaroop, Professor and HOD Dept of Dermatology AIMS; Dr. Rajesh G and Dr Srinivas K Professor, Dept of Dermatology, AIMS; Dr. Sudha Banti, Associate professor, AIMS; Dr.Darshan Gowda, Senior Resident and post graduates.
The inaugural function commenced at 10.45 am. A two-minute silence was observed between 11 am and 11.02 am by the dignitaries and the gathering as a mark of respect for Mahatma Gandhiji on his death anniversary.
The gathering was then addressed by Dr. Nagaraj, DLO who highlighted the importance of eliminating the social stigma associated with Leprosy. Dr. Sunil Kumar, Professor and HOD Dept of PSM, stressed on the importance of early detection and prompt treatment of Leprosy.
The inaugural function was followed by a rally through the main streets of Devanahalli town by the final year MBBS students and Dermatology postgraduate students of Akash Institute of Medical Sciences. Through the rally, pamphlets were distributed amongst the general public which contained information about Leprosy and myths associated with it. With this we tried to create awareness among the public that Leprosy is curable.
Around 50 patients with skin diseases were treated by our Doctors. These patients were also screened for Leprosy. Free drugs were distributed to them and they were asked to come for follow up at our Hospital.
