MANILA โ The Department of Health (DOH) is strengthening its public awareness campaign on leprosy, emphasizing that the disease is curable and early treatment prevents transmission.
In a public advisory on Tuesday, the DOH said leprosy, also known as Hansenโs disease, can be treated. Free medication is available at government health centers.
The early symptoms of leprosy are skin lesions, nerve damage, nerve thickening, vision loss, persistent stuffy nose, nosebleeds, and bumps and nodules on the face and earlobes.
Meanwhile, its advanced symptoms include painless ulcers, permanent nerve damage and physical deformities.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), for its part, assured members diagnosed with Hansenโs disease that financial support is available under its benefit package, covering up to PHP17,160 for treatment in accredited health facilities.
The state insurer said the package may be availed of at Levels 1, 2, and 3 hospitals nationwide, helping ease the cost of hospitalization and management.
PhilHealth said early consultation and proper treatment not only prevent complications but also stop transmission.
The DOH urged the public to seek accurate information about the disease and to avoid discriminating against patients.
It also called on communities to support persons undergoing treatment through understanding and compassion, underscoring that acceptance and awareness are key to effective disease control. (PNA)
