The population suffering from leprosy in the district is very low and there are 69 leprosy patients in the entire district, said health officer Dr Rangaswamy.

He was speaking after inaugurating Leprosy Prevention Day held as part of Martyr’s Day. The percentage of leprosy patients in Madhugiri and Pavagad is high. However,  in the entire district it is 0.2.5%. This  has been made possible by the numerous health aware ness programmes orga nised by govt and non-governmental organisations. However, efforts should be directed towards complete eradica tion of leprosy, he said.

Earlier there was  a belief that leprosy was incurable. However, times have now changed and leprosy can be cured with good treatment. Thus, one should immediately approach the nearest health centre when patches appear on their skin, suggested Dr Rangaswamy.

Those present  were Rotary Central president Renuka Paramesh, Zilla retired health officer Basavaiah, Zilla leprosy advisor Dr K R Govind and others.