Surat : Leprosy Survey Sparks Panic in Posh Jivkornagar Society Near CR Paatil’s Residence

Surat | Gujarat — Residents of a prominent residential enclave in Surat were left anxious after officials from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) conducted a leprosy awareness survey in Jivkornagar Society, located in the upscale **Ghod Dod Road–Bhatar area of Surat.

The survey, carried out by two health department staff members, involved distributing informational pamphlets about leprosy and asking residents questions related to symptoms and family health history. However, the exercise triggered alarm among locals after officials reportedly informed them that a leprosy patient had been staying in a bungalow within the society.

The development caused unease in the neighbourhood, which lies barely 50 metres away from the residence of Union Minister C. R. Paatil, prompting residents to seek clarity from civic authorities.

Concerned over the situation, local resident Linesh Shah wrote a formal letter to Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, questioning why the survey was conducted specifically in their society and whether proper medical protocols were being followed.

“Residents are panicky. For the first time we have seen such a leprosy survey being conducted in our society. Officials distributed pamphlets and asked us questions about family members and illnesses, which naturally created concern among people,” Shah said.

In his letter, Shah raised several questions regarding public health safety. He asked whether a confirmed patient should be kept under observation or admitted to an appropriate medical facility instead of staying freely in a residential locality.

He also questioned whether it is legally permissible to run any form of medical shelter or care facility within a private residential society and whether the presence of an untreated patient could pose health risks to nearby residents.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Fenil Patel from the health department of the Surat Municipal Corporation clarified that the survey was part of routine public health protocol.

“The leprosy patient was notified to us by **New Civil Hospital, Surat. As per procedure, our team visited the area to create awareness and distribute pamphlets so that residents understand the disease and its symptoms,” Dr. Patel said.

He added that the patient was residing in a private bungalow in the society and that the civic body has limited authority over private residences. “Our primary role is awareness and monitoring in such cases,” he explained.