Already battling the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, the health department of the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) under the guidance of commissioner-Dilip Dhole is all set to conduct an elaborate campaign aimed at controlling the spread of tuberculosis and leprosy in the twin-city. To be conducted in two phases from July 2021 to October-2021 and December-2021 to March 2022, the survey which will take-off on 12, July will also mark the occasion of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”- a central government initiative to commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. The survey aims to cover a population of more than 3.63 lakh, mainly from the 35 slum clusters, densely-populated pockets, construction sites, hamlets and other far-to-reach places to detect patients with communicable diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy across the twin-city.
“The intensified and targeted survey is solely aimed at detecting and diagnosing patients of these two diseases and providing them proper and free treatment at the earliest.” said city tuberculosis officer (CTO) –Balnath Chakor. While 360 medical volunteers and an equal number of Asha workers will form two-member teams for the door to door survey of vulnerable areas, supervisors will be roped in to monitor the day to activities of the teams.
“In addition, to this our healthcare personnel will also take measures to eradicate misconceptions in society about these diseases through public awareness.” said a senior health officer. The National Leprosy Eradication Program, envisages detection of new leprosy patients at an early stage and provide them with free full-time medication and break the chain of leprosy infection in the society at large.
