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Delhi to make leprosy a notifiable disease
1 May
Summary
- Leprosy will be a notifiable disease in Delhi soon.
- Mandatory reporting will aid early detection and treatment.
- India accounts for nearly 59% of global leprosy cases.
The Delhi government is preparing to declare leprosy a notifiable disease under the Delhi Epidemic Diseases Act. This significant public health initiative is designed to enhance surveillance, facilitate early case identification, and improve adherence to treatment across the national capital.
The proposal has received clearance from the Delhi Health Department and awaits final approval. Upon notification, all healthcare facilities and practitioners will be mandated to report leprosy cases to the District Leprosy Officer. This systematic reporting will enable prompt diagnosis and access to free Multi-Drug Therapy at government centers.
This policy places Delhi alongside states such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, which have already implemented similar measures. Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized that this step is crucial for uncovering hidden cases, interrupting transmission, and ensuring all patients receive dignified, standard treatment.
Despite India eliminating leprosy as a public health problem in 2005, it still represents nearly 59% of the world's new annual cases. A recent study indicated that approximately 44.1% of leprosy patients are treated privately and go unreported, contributing to ongoing community transmission. Mandatory notification is expected to reduce disability risks, enable contact tracing, and combat stigma.
