Send Whatsapp pictures to 0754088604
Advice given free by dermatologists
Colombo National Hospital’s Central Disease Control Programme has decided to introduce a new method of identifying leprosy patients through WhatsApp.
Dermatologist Dr.Indira Kahawita said that by taking a clear picture of the suspected leprosy affected area and sending it on Whats App to the leprosy identification helpline number 0754088604,
the necessary advice will be given free under the supervision of dermatologists at the Central Leprosy Clinic of the Colombo National Hospital.
She also stated that it is not wrong to suspect that it is leprosy if there are signs on the skin such as light colored spots on the skin, copper coloured spots on the skin, and spots that do not protrude from the skin.
She said that concerned persons should take some clear pictures of the place where there are such features and WhatsApp them in such a way that they can be seen clearly. She also said that the relevant person’s age, address, gender, how long the spot has been in the skin, should be clearly mentioned. She stated that this service is a text message service and not a phone service and therefore phone calls should not be made to know the details.
She also said that about 1,500 new leprosy patients are diagnosed annually and that leprosy can be completely cured by taking the right medicine at the right time.
SANDYA KARUNARATNE