In continuation to Ashwamedham, a leprosy detection campaign carried out in Alappuzha, the Health Department has started organising special medical camps in different places in the district.
Officials said that persons identified with symptoms of the disease would be examined by specialist doctors in the camps. On Thursday, camps were conducted at Kayamkulam, Ambalapuzha, Mavelikara and Panavally. The Department will organise camps at Chunakara, Mannar, Veliyanad and Muhamma health centres on Friday. On May 18, camps will be held at Haripad taluk hospital, Champakulam health centre, Turavoor taluk hospital and Kalavoor health centre.
The Ashwamedham campaign, part of Arogya Keralam, was conducted in the district between April 29 and May 12. At least two new cases of leprosy have been detected in the district during the campaign.
Further, more than 5,000 persons with symptoms have been referred to various hospitals for medical examination. Officials said that proper treatment had been started for the persons detected with the disease.
Proper treatment
“The medical camps are a follow up to the leprosy detection campaign. During the campaign, we have referred several people with symptoms of the disease to nearby government hospitals. Further, those persons who have already undergone medical tests at hospitals and in need of more investigations will be examined by specialist doctors in the camps. If anyone is diagnosed with leprosy, they will be provided proper treatment,” said an official.
According to officials, at least 40 persons are currently undergoing treatment in Alappuzha for leprosy. The department launched the campaign following the re-emergence of the disease in a few places in the State. Specially-trained health workers had conducted house visits to identify people with symptoms of the disease during the campaign.