The Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has organized several activities to raise awareness about leprosy and contribute to the eradication of the disease, in observance of January 30, which is marked as Leprosy Eradication Day on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.

In line with the Central Government's guidelines, PMC will conduct a special leprosy detection campaign from January 31 to February 14. During this period, a survey will be carried out to identify and treat as many leprosy patients as possible, providing them with free treatment immediately.

On Thursday, PMC officials and staff took a pledge for leprosy eradication as part of the awareness drive.

To further raise awareness, PMC’s urban primary health centers are organizing a series of health education programs, including rangoli competitions, school rallies, essay competitions, street plays, and more. As part of these initiatives, rangoli and essay competitions were conducted at the Urban Primary Health Center, Kamothe, and a street play was performed at Urban Primary Health Center 2, Koliwada, on Thursday.

"Additionally, a Leprosy Awareness Marathon will be organized by PMC at Urban Primary Health Center 5, Kharghar, on February 4," informed by Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Anand Gosavi.

PMC Commissioner Mangesh Chitale emphasized that the primary objective of this campaign is to increase leprosy awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and ensure immediate treatment for affected individuals.