Prime Minister Oli emphasizes stronger efforts to eliminate leprosy in Nepal

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need to make efforts to eliminate leprosy in Nepal more actively and effectively under the "Healthy Nepal Mission."

While speaking at the opening session of the "Nepal Leprosy Conference," organized by the Ministry of Health and Population along with various organizations on Thursday, he said that even though the number of leprosy cases in Nepal has dropped to less than 1 per 10,000 people, the government will not be satisfied until the disease is fully eliminated.

He reminded that in the past, people used to wish for good digestion as a blessing, and said that by taking proper care of diet, lifestyle and health, people can stay healthy. He also encouraged the public to seek regular treatment if diseases like leprosy occur and to run awareness programs to promote this practice.

PM Oli also shared a personal memory, saying that during the Panchayat era, he was kept on a cold floor in the Golghar prison and tortured, which he believes led to his kidney failure.

He further mentioned that the government will make legal changes to stop discrimination against leprosy patients and will also support ways to prevent the spread of the disease. He urged the Ministry of Health to raise awareness through mass media and technology with the message that people should not hide the disease.