Extension activity- NLEP: Leprosy Case Detection Campaign

  From February 12th to 21st 2026, the IQAC, Department of Microbiology in association with National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) jointly organized an extension activity on Leprosy Case Detection Campaign. 48 Students of B.Sc., & M. Sc., Microbiology actively participated in a leprosy survey program in and around the Oragadam and Menambedu regions as part of their community health initiative. As a part of NLEP campaign initiative the students will be receiving a stipend of Rs 1050/- each. The students visited households and interacted directly with residents to collect basic health information and screen for visible symptoms such as hypo pigmented patches, loss of sensation, and thickened nerves. Overall, the teams successfully screened 13,500 individuals in the community. Among the screened population, 20 individuals were identified as suspected positive cases and were advised to seek further medical examination at nearby healthcare facilities for confirmation and treatment.

              Students also highlighted key aspects of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), which focuses on early case detection, free multidrug therapy (MDT), disability prevention, and community awareness through information, education, and communication activitiesto eliminate leprosy as a public health problem. Students also explained that under NLEP, diagnosis and treatment are provided free of cost in government health centers.