DW BUREAU / Panchkula A state level event on Anti Leprosy Day was observed at State Head Quarter Panchkula on Friday in mark of the death anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. The event was inaugurated by Director General Health Services, Haryana Dr. Surajbhan Kamboj. Director General Health Services,Haryana addressed the gathering and explained the objectives for celebrating the day to generate awareness in the general public to "not to discriminate with leprosy patients". He also encouraged the general public for self referral for early detection and treatment of the disease. He further said that the Health department is conducting active search in all districts of Haryana to diagnose patients with leprosy at an early stage. The main emphasis is to start Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) as early as possible to minimize the disability due to leprosy. State Leprosy Officer, Haryana Dr. Rita Kotwal Chaudhary briefed that Haryana has already achieved the status of "Elimination of Leprosy" with prevalence rate of 0.10 per 10000 of the population. Total number of leprosy cases in Haryana is 306 till date as compared to 426 cases in December 2019. Most of these cases are migrants from other states. Endeavour of the state is to eradicate leprosy in Haryana by providing following facilities. A lot of activities were carried out for leprosy awareness which includes Bhajans and Nukkad Natak. Leprosy patients were also invited to the event and had interaction with the public. A session of Frequently asked Question and Answer was also carried out in which 10 questions were asked from the public and gift were distributed among the participants. Dr. Sandeep Singh Sahani, Skin Specialist, Senior Medical Officer addressed the queries at the event site. At the end of the event pledge for not to discriminate with leprosy patients was taken by the public. additional director Dr. veena singh health services also help of this programme. (editor@dailyworld.in)