News

Volume 1 Issue 4 - October 15, 2003

Scouts march for leprosy awareness

DNIS News Network - About 3000 students of Bharat Scouts and Guides, NCC and other schools participated in a leprosy awareness rally, ‘Public Awareness Peace March’ from Rajghat to ITO on October 2, 2003 to mark Leprosy Day, commemorated on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The march, was organised by The Leprosy Mission, in collaboration with Delhi State Government, Bharat Scouts and Guides, NCC, ILEP and various other NGOs.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit flagged off the rally from Rajghat.

Speaking on the occasion she stressed on the role of society in spreading awareness and ensuring early detection of leprosy.

Delhi Health Minister AK Walia also addressed the gathering saying that Delhi has 7500 leprosy patients, being treated at various hospitals. He further stressed on the need for ensuring leprosy diagnosis in every hospital and dispensary of the capital. He said that leprosy medicines like MDT should be made available free of cost to leprosy patients to eradicate the disease from India.