Staff, infra shortage fuels Sundargarh leprosy rise

There is no letup in the rise of leprosy cases in Sundargarh district, with 707 new patients identified over the past 20 months.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

Health officials attribute the increase to a shortage of manpower like healthcare professionals, including paramedical staff and physiotherapists, as well as inadequate infrastructure such as designated hospitals. Reports said that in between April and July alone, 81 additional cases were detected.

The highest number of cases has been reported from the Hemgir area, particularly among the elderly and children. The average prevalence rate stands at 4.02 per cent. Despite the government spending crores of rupees annually to eradicate leprosy, the disease’s growth in Sundargarh remains a concern for all.