On the occasion of Anti Leprosy Day Dr. V. K. Nagpal, officiating Director Health & Family Welfare -cum – Mission Director (NHM), U.T Chandigarh in the presence of Senior officers of the Health department launched the “Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC)” at GMSH-16, Chandigarh. This “Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC)” will be from 30th January, 2024 to 13th February, 2024. During the launch of this Awareness Campaign a tribute was paid by all participants including Leprosy patients to Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi by lighting a lamp and offering flowers.
A message of Sh. Banwari Lal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator U.T., Chandigarh was read with advice that all efforts be made to detect Leprosy patients as early as possible. The aim of the campaign is to generate awareness to bring about attitudinal change in our society about Leprosy and leprosy affected persons; eliminate the social stigma attached with this disease and implement “Prevention of Disease, Disabilities, Stigma, Discrimination and Violation of Human Rights” the 4 pillars of National Strategic Plan.
Further for creating awareness amongst the general public of Chandigarh the message will also be spread through Audio Announcements and scroll displays through PA system installed at Traffic Lights. This year SLAC theme is “Ending Stigma, Embracing Dignity” for “Zero tolerance to Stigma and Discrimination” and creating a “LEPROSY FREE INDIA”.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. V. K. Nagpal, officiating, Director Health & Family Welfare –Cum – Mission Director (NHM), U.T., Chandigarh urged the residents to expel discrimination, stigma and fear of leprosy patients and help them to merge them into the mainstream of the society. Dr. Parmjit Singh DMS told the general public regarding importance of early detection and early treatment will help in decreasing the spread of the disease. Dr. Manjeet Pal, State Leprosy Officer, apprised of the DPMR activities and the various facilities extended to the patients of leprosy and also urged the people to spread awareness about leprosy in their community and avail the treatment of leprosy at the nearest Health &Wellness Centers to make Chandigarh Leprosy free. Dr. Charru Singla, NO NHM, U.T. Chandigarh, Dr. Simrat Kaur, HOD skin and all Programme Officers were also present on this occasion.
