‘Detection’ campaign launched for Dimapur
Dimapur, Sep. 16 (EMN): A ‘leprosy case detection campaign’ was launched on September 16 in Dimapur by the district’s health authorities with a senior health officer terming the campaign crucial to identifying new cases because those affected by the disease do not seek medical treatment due to stigma about it.
A programme to mark the launch of the campaign was conducted in the chief medical officer’s office, updates stated.
The government publicity agency the department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) issued updates to the media on Monday informing about the programme.
Dimapur District has been conducting trainings for medical officers, and health workers such as Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery workers and accredited social health activists in all the blocks in preparedness of this campaign, the IPR stated. The campaign will begin from September 16 and continue to the 22nd, the updates stated.
Dr. PJ Gogoi, senior regional director of the ministry of Health & Family Welfare, said the house-to-house survey is very crucial in this campaign to identify new cases. Many infected patients do not seek medical treatment due to the stigma and prejudice attached to the disease, the official said.
‘This intensive campaign will be help in identifying those hidden cases and provide medical treatment. He further stated that he will be visiting health units to assess and provide necessary assistance to them in the coming weeks.
He also urged the field workers to involve vigorously in this campaign and help to eliminate this disease from the State again,’ the IPR stated.
Dr. Ahu Sekhose, state leprosy officer for Nagaland was also quoted by the IPR as having informed the participants there about a similar campaign that was conducted in 2016. During the event, more than 125 suspected cases were identified out of which four cases were positive, the updates stated. The health officer attributed the success of the previous campaign to the contribution and hard work of the field workers.
Gogoi also inaugurated the LCDC control room. The campaign was officially flagged off by Dr. K Vikato Kinimi, chief medical officer for Dimapur.
Gogoi is also a central observer, the IRP stated. He visited health centres in Medziphema and Socunoma after the inaugural program, the IPR informed.
