Kakinada District collector Kartikeya Mishra has formally launched the `Sparsh Leprosy’ awareness fortnight at a function held at Gandhi Park here on Tuesday to mark the Gandhi death anniversary celebration.

The Collector said that deformity among the leprosy patients was reduced considerably after introduction of Multi-drug therapy. He stressed the need for creating more awareness among the people on the disease so that the incidence rate could be brought down.

Referring to the difficulty faced by the leprosy patients in drawing ration from the fair price shops due to lack of finger prints, he said, the problem would be solved within a month and a solution is being worked out. Mayor Sunkara Pavani who was the guest of honour has advised the people to follow the ideals of Gandhiji and serve the lepers with human touch.

Dr Moka Pavan Kumar district Nodal officer for Leprosy control said that 242 leprosy patients were being treated and 3112 patients with deformity were given pension and ration in the district . Earlier Mr Mishra, DD Information M Francis, Trainee assistant collector Anand have offered floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.