Coimbatore: CMCH doctors, staff pledge to eradicate leprosy
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the last Sunday of January every year as World Leprosy Day.
Coimbatore​: On ‘Leprosy Day’ observed on January 30 in India, around 50 doctors and 100 nurses of the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) took an oath committing to work towards eradicating leprosy.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the last Sunday of January every year as World Leprosy Day. “In India, the day coincides with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
On the occasion, Gandhi’s teachings were recalled by the medical faculty at the hospital campus. Also known as ‘Hansen’s disease’, the condition, when diagnosed at an early stage, can be cured. Patients who experience symptoms of leprosy like numbness in the hands and feet, abnormal skin appearance or growth and muscle weakness, must see a doctor and begin treatment, before the infection worsens,” said Dr B. Asokan, dean, Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital.
Meanwhile, a team of experts from the Medical Council of India (MCI) visited the medical college and hospital on Wednesday. “Coimbatore Medical College (CMC) has applied for two super-specialty educational programmes. One is D.M. Medical Oncology and the second is D.M. Gastroenterology. The team inspected infrastructure at the campus and hospital,” said Dr Ganesh Babu, professor of surgery, Coimbatore Medical College (CMC).A tender has been issued to set up a skill laboratory at the CMC.