Andhra Pradesh urges comprehensive survey to identify leprosy patients

Andhra Pradesh health officials have launched a state-wide survey to identify individuals affected by leprosy. As of Thursday, over 6.65 million people have been screened, with 5,085 individuals referred for further medical examination, according to Dr. K. Padmavati, Director of Public Health (DPH).

The door-to-door survey, which runs until November 30, requires ASHA workers and male volunteers to visit homes between 7 am and 9 am. Dr. Padmavati urged residents to cooperate with the visiting health workers.

Suspected cases will be referred to nearby Primary Health Centers for medical evaluation. If someone is confirmed to have leprosy, a focal survey will be conducted in around 300 nearby households, and close contacts of the patient - about 30 to 40 people - will receive preventive medication.

Leprosy patients will receive free multi-drug treatment, part of the government’s efforts to prevent the disease. Awareness campaigns, including distribution of informative leaflets and public banners, are also being carried out across the state.

Additionally, every month on the 10th, Primary Health Centers organize Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation camps in leprosy colonies. These camps provide physiotherapy for people with disabilities and reconstructive surgery for treatable deformities. The government provides financial support of up to ₹12,000, with ₹6,000 during treatment and ₹3,000 each for first and second follow-ups.