On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, the Maharashtra government, through the Directorate of Health Services, has officially launched the ‘Sparsh’ Leprosy Awareness Campaign. Running from 30th January to 13th February, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about leprosy and eradicate misconceptions surrounding the disease. The Health Department of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), under the guidance of NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, has organised a series of activities as part of this initiative.

As part of the ongoing Health Education Fortnight, the campaign encourages the public to actively engage in increasing awareness about leprosy. The government’s message is clear: to ensure that no person affected by leprosy is left behind and to dispel the myths associated with the disease.

In line with these objectives, a collective pledge was taken at the NMMC Headquarters’ amphitheatre, bringing together key figures from the administration and health departments.

In line with that, the collective pledge of the government-led Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign was taken today at the amphitheatre at the Municipal Headquarters along with Deputy Commissioner of Administration Department Shri Sharad Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of Social Development Department Shri. Kisanrao Palande, Municipal Secretary Shri. Chitra Baviskar, Assistant Health Officer Dr. Ratnaprabha Chavan, Medical Officer Dr. Pravin Katke, Administrative Officer Shri Uttam Kharat and other officers and employees were present.

This pledge states, “ I will encourage anyone with suspected symptoms of leprosy to go to the nearest health center and if they have leprosy, I will take care to help them get complete treatment and if there is a leprosy patient in the society, I will not discriminate in any way in sitting, eating or moving with them. Also, everyone collectively took a pledge to always strive to fulfill the dream of a leprosy-free India as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by striving to ensure that there is no social discrimination against leprosy sufferers.”

As per the instructions of the Maharashtra Government Health Department, the Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign is starting today, January 30th and the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Health Department has organized various programs at the local level.