Three leprosy patients have been found in the third quarter of the current fiscal year.
The number of leprosy patients in Baitadi has been decreasing recently. According to the three-year data of the Health Office, Baitadi, there are only 16 leprosy patients in the district.
According to the office, the highest number of leprosy cases was reported in 10 people in the fiscal year 2080/81. The number of patients has been decreasing in subsequent years. The statistics show that only 3 people were diagnosed with leprosy in the fiscal year 2081/82 and 3 people in the third quarter of the current fiscal year.
There are two types of leprosy and they can be completely cured if treated on time, informed Khagendra Karki, Information Officer of the Health Office, Baitadi. If you have symptoms of 'PV' leprosy, you need to take medicine for 6 months, and if you have symptoms of 'MB' leprosy, you can be completely cured if you take medicine for a year.
The number of leprosy patients is decreasing due to regular screening programs, timely treatment and community-level public awareness, said Tirtharaj Bhatta, Chief of the Health Office, Baitadi. He said that free medical treatment will be provided as soon as leprosy is identified.
Symptoms such as white or red spots on the skin, dry skin, gradually enlarging spots, tingling in the hands and feet, burning or swelling, and decreased eye pain are common symptoms of leprosy.
Although leprosy is a completely curable disease, the problem of some patients not coming to health institutions on time due to social confusion, shame, and fear is still prevalent. Nepal has set a goal of eliminating leprosy by 2030.
