May 08, Kathmandu- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed on the need to make efforts to eradicate leprosy more dynamic and effective. Addressing the inaugural session of the 'Nepal Leprosy Conference' organized by the Ministry of Health and Population and various organizations today, Prime Minister Oli said that while keeping the number of leprosy patients in Nepal below one in every 10,000 is an improvement, they will not be satisfied until the disease is completely eradicated.

He recalled that blessings were given to improve the digestive system in the first place, and urged people to maintain good health by following proper diet, hygiene and care, and to conduct regular treatment for infectious diseases like leprosy. Prime Minister Oli recalled that he was tortured by being kept on the cold floor during his stay in the Golghar during the Panchayat period, and mentioned the reason for his kidney failure.

Prime Minister Oli said that the government will amend the law to prevent leprosy patients from being neglected and provide necessary facilitation for measures to prevent the spread of the disease. He also urged the Ministry of Health to spread awareness about leprosy prevention through mass media and information technology, along with the message that the disease should not be hidden.