KARACHI: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said that everyone should play his part to eradicate leprosy from Pakistan. "Seeing condition of leprosy patients, my heart is saddened. On World Leprosy Day, we should pledge to get rid of disease."

Addressing ceremony organised at Leprosy Hospital Manghopir Governor said that he was sad to see condition of hospital as it seemed as an archeological place. "Environment should be better for patients. It is responsibility of government to provide health facilities. I will request philanthropists to go ahead and help institutions that provide public health facilities," he said.

Tessori said that we have to change condition of hospital and added that we will visit hospital again after few days.  "I was very surprised to know that in last 120 years I am first Governor to visit this hospital, I do not understand why others did not. I am here to pay tribute to doctors, nurses and paramedical staff who are performing duty of treating and caring for leprosy patients, Governor said.

He said that this disease is treatable and one should consult doctors only after initial symptoms. He said that this is only hospital in Pakistan managed by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation which treats patients suffering from leprosy.

Administrator Karachi Dr. Syed Saifur Rehman said that more than 90 leprosy patients are residing in this hospital and all expenses of these patients are borne by KMC.

He said that this disease is mostly found in cold regions and people are more likely to get this disease due to severe cold. He said that it is very sad that after suffering from leprosy, family members turn away from such people.

Dr Syed Saifur Rehman said that people should be intimated that disease is not transmitted to other people.  Governor Sindh visited various wards and inquired about health of patients. Former senior director of medical services Dr. Muhammad Ali, senior director Dr. Nadeem Asif, medical superintendent of hospital Dr. Asif Saeed were present.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 30 2023

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