Reconstructive Surgery Camp held for leprosy patients

GANGTOK, 07 Oct: The NLEP wing [National Leprosy Eradication Programme] of Health Department organised a two-day Reconstructive Surgery Camp [RCS] for patients with deformities due to leprosy at STNM hospital on 04 and 05 October.
A press release informs that plastic surgeon from the Leprosy Mission Hospital, Kolkata, Dr Jerry Joshua operated on 06 patients from different parts of Sikkim.
Others present in the camp were orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Pemba Bhutia [Chief Consultant], Dr Bishnu Sakya, Dr Tashi Hoeser and anaesthesiologists, Dr PK Rai, Dr Gyamsto, Dr Kinga Bhutia, Dr Pankaj Pradhan, Dr Diki Doma [physiotherapist], OT staff headed by staff nurse, Laden Bhutia, NLEP staff, Dr Anusha Lama [DMS/DLO] and Dr T Doma [PO].
Dr Diki will assist the patients post operatively in their recovery, the release mentions. Since deformities in leprosy are the main reason for stigma and discrimination, reconstructive surgery aims to restore function and form and plays an important role in the rehabilitation process, the release adds.
RCS will help in regaining the status of the leprosy affected in the public mind thereby reducing stigma of the disease. Similar camps will be organised in future for remaining patients with deformities, the release adds.