Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today visited sevagram in Maharashtra, He first visited Bapu Kuti in Sevagram, Later presented the International Gandhi Award for Leprosy 2017 to Dr MD Gupte and Dr Atul Shah for their outstanding contribution to the field at a programme to be held at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sewagram.
The award has been instituted by Gandhi Leprosy Foundation to recognize the services of individuals or institutions in eradication of leprosy and helping such patients to lead a normal life. The award consists of a medallion, a citation and cash prize of 2 lakh rupees to each awardee.
On the occasion Vice president said that more than the medical condition, the social stigma attached to the disease is a cause for concern. Ignorance about the treatability of the disease coupled with perpetuation of myths often leads to ostracism of persons afflicted with leprosy, which causes considerable distress in persons suffering from the disease.
Vice president further said that the need of the hour is to intensify our efforts towards early detection of leprosy cases, provide equitable access to appropriate treatment and provide integrated leprosy services. He further added There is need to empower those who have been socially discriminated through advocacy and information dissemination. Over the years, the scourge of leprosy has remained a blot on humanity.
Vice president venkaiah Naidu urged all the stakeholders to come together and make concerted efforts for the total eradication of leprosy. Naidu said Gandhiji's ideal, teaching inspired us even today.gandhiji gave call to strengthen our villages and said ram rajya is not possible without gram rajya.
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