KATHMANDU, JANUARY 1
Eighty-four leprosy cases were identified in Banke district over the past year, highlighting the district's high risk of the disease.
A total of 146 new cases were recorded at the INF-operated Shining Hospital in Janaki Rural Municipality-3 during the last fiscal year (2080/81). Among them, 84 cases were from Banke alone.
Hospital Chief Mangal Bahadur Tharu reported that the remaining cases included 24 from Bardiya, 21 from India, five from Sudurpaschim, four from Rukum, three from Salyan, and one each from Dailekh, Surkhet, Jajarkot, Rolpa, and Humla.
Approximately 39% of the identified cases tested positive for Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria responsible for leprosy. The diagnosed patients have been referred to various health facilities for treatment.
Tharu further noted that the hospital provided outpatient services to 17,265 people during the last fiscal year. The Shining Hospital has expanded its leprosy services and established itself as a referral center for leprosy in the western region.
