According to details, Mumbai-based Comprehensive Leprosy Care Project in collaboration with the state government will organise `Leprosy Reconstructive Surgery Mega Camp' on April 7 - WHO Day as part of leprosy elimination by 2000 and to bring down the prevalence rate of leprosy under every 10,000 : 1 person. Health Minister Ashok Bhatt and health commissioner R M Patel have declared year 1999 as ``Anti- Leprosy year'' and resolved to eradicate leprosy.

While such a camp was held in Vadodara in January, the minister and the health commissioner said the basic objective behind organising such camps was to create awareness that leprosy was curable and timely treatment could prevent occurrence of deformities in leprosy patients. The other reason was to provide employment opportunities and rehabilitation to leprosy patients.

Dr K A Saifee, medical superintendent of New Civil Hospital has formed a10-member working committee for the management and overall supervision of the camp, set up four separate operation theatres at New Civil Hospital, adequate number of medical and para-medical staff have been made available to provide intensive treatment, transportation facilities for patients and their relatives have been arranged, and a control room has been set up.

Surat Manav Seva Sangh, a Surat-based trust will provide food to patients, their relatives and all medical staff attending the camp.