PESHAWAR, Feb 1: Some 20 million people are suffering from leprosy globally and the disease is in its eradication stage in the NWFP while the target set by WHO for controlling it in the province had been achieved much earlier than the stipulated time.

Health experts said this while addressing a special ceremony arranged in connection with the World Leprosy Day at the Ophthalmology Unit, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, on Wednesday.

Highlighting the leprosy situation in the country, the experts said that the number of registered leprosy patients in Pakistan was 20,000. The experts went on to say that 10 to 15 per cent of leprosy patients were developing eye complications and their sight could be saved if steps were taken on time.

Similarly, the experts appreciated the successful strategy being adopted by the leprosy control programme for eradicating the disease in the NWFP and termed it as a guideline for prevention of TB in the province.

Secretary for Health Abdus Samad Khan assured taking all necessary steps for facilitating leprosy patients.

Lauding the contribution of Dr Ruth Fao for the welfare of leprosy patients in the province, the secretary health said that she had done a remarkable job. He also appreciated the efforts of Dr Sardarul Mulk, ex-director general health, for reconstruction of the Devastated Leprosy Hospital at Balakot. He promised to include a plan for improvement of the leprosy ward at the Lady Reading Hospital in the next annual development programme.

German expert on Reconstructive Surgery Dr Ortwin Joch, Dr Fabius, Dr Mohammad Arif, Dr Sardarul Mulk and Dr Mohammad Israr were awarded shields for their contribution towards the rehabilitation of leprosy patients. Similarly, leprosy technicians Syed Rahman, Khalilur Rahman, Akhir Jan, Abdul Haleem, Badruddin, and Hikmat Khan were decorated with gold medals for their continuous services to leprosy patients for the last 25 years.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Provincial Secretary for Health Abdus Samad Khan, Director General Health Services Dr Jalilur Rahman, Chief Executive Hayatabad Medical Complex, Prof Shad Mohammad Khan, Manager TB Control Programme Dr Abdul Ghafoor, Dr Sardarul Mulk and Dr Mohammad Zaheen.