A. Vishal, head of neuro psychiatry department at the Government Medical College here, said leprosy patients are driven to commit suicide with depression and lack of confidence as they are being seen as untouchables in the society.
Addressing an awareness camp on the problems that normally affect the leprosy patients at Indur Neuro Psychiatric Hospital in connection with the World Leprosy Eradication Day on Friday, he said that if the patients were treated well by the society they would be relieved of loneliness and depression and would lead a normal life.
He said the leprosy patients need to consume the best medicines, besides nutritious food to overcome the problem. He also said that addiction to intoxication, insomnia and eccentric behaviour are common among them. If patients are found with these symptoms, relatives should immediately approach psychiatrists so that they can be easily treated, he said. Members of Akula Dharma Bai Charitable Trust Akula Mutyam, Sashikala, Dr. Naga Padma and others were present. Karimnagar Special Correspondent writes: The District Medical and Health Department launched the National Leprosy Week celebrations as part of National Leprosy Day, conducted on the occasion of death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. DM&HO Dr. Aleem said that leprosy cases had come down drastically in the district and presently there are only 0.5 per cent cases in the district. As part of the Leprosy Day, he informed the medical authorities to launch awareness programmes in the district.
