World Leprosy Day observed at Stanley Hospital

An awareness programme to mark “World Leprosy Day” was conducted at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital (SMCH) on Thursday.

Chennai Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade took part in the event. Vijaya Baskar, head of Leprology and Dermatology, SMCH, said in India, the prevalence rate of leprosy is 0.45%, while it was 0.3% in Tamil Nadu. A total of 75,394 new cases were detected in the country in 2024. Of this, 2,434 cases were in Tamil Nadu. Among them, 38 cases were newly diagnosed at SMCH and treated with Multi Drug Therapy drugs. Till date, 3,000 patients were treated in the leprosy outpatient department of the hospital and completely cured, according to a press release.

At SMCH, management of resistant lepra reactions is done and trophic ulcers due to leprosy are managed with advanced techniques such as growth factor administration of platelet rich plasma, autohemotherapy and insulin dressing. Disability prevention and medical rehabilitation programmes are conducted every week and high resolution ultrasonography is done to rule out impending nerve paralysis that helps in early diagnosis and treatment of neuritis.

The Collector said that the World Health Organization’s target is “Towards Zero Leprosy” strategy and the theme for 2025 was “Unite, Act, Eliminate”. She administered the awareness pledge and distributed footwear and walking sticks to patients during the event. She urged doctors to conduct more health education programmes. Among others, hospital dean P. Balaji was present.