NAWALPARASI: Eighty-eight new leprosy patients have been detected in the course of 'Search Campaign', launched in Nawalparasi (west of Bardaghat-Susta) and Nawalparasi (east of Bardaghat-Susta) districts.

A total of 16 new leprosy patients were found at Nawalpur area while 72 at Parasi area under the Campaign launched in 12 local levels of both areas, informed Ramraj Pandit, Chief of Madhyabindu Community Memorial Hospital, Danda.

An expert team comprising health workers and volunteers with the help of Damien Foundation launched the Search Campaign at the door steps of people to identify new leprosy patients.

Although Nepal was declared a leprosy-free country in 2010, patients suffering from leprosy have been spotted in considerable numbers in some districts including Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Kailali, kicking off the search campaign thereafter.

Last year's report shows a total of 77 new leprosy patients found in Nawalparasi, two of whom where persons with nervous disorder and four where children.