Maharashtra Declares Leprosy a Notifiable Disease, Steps Up Efforts to Control Spread and Eradicate the Disease

Strategic Insights -

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to combat the spread of leprosy by declaring it a notifiable disease. As per this directive, all doctors and healthcare institutions are now required to report every diagnosed case of leprosy within two weeks to the respective district health office, Assistant Director (Health Services -- Leprosy), and local municipal health authorities. This move aims to ensure timely treatment for patients and break the chain of infection.

Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and other organs. Despite medical advancements, fear, stigma, and misconceptions about the disease persist in society. The health department has emphasized that early diagnosis and complete treatment are key elements in controlling leprosy. The state has set a goal of achieving a 'Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027', which includes completely breaking the chain of infection, reducing disease transmission to zero, eliminating deformities among children, and eradicating social discrimination against persons affected by leprosy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maharashtra government has declared leprosy a notifiable disease, mandating all doctors and healthcare institutions to report every diagnosed case within two weeks.
  • The goal is to achieve a 'Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027', with objectives including breaking the chain of infection, reducing disease transmission to zero, eliminating deformities among children, and eradicating social discrimination.
  • As of September 2025, Maharashtra has reported 7,863 new leprosy cases, with 13,010 patients currently under treatment.
  • The health department has urged all medical professionals to strictly adhere to the notification and reporting norms for leprosy cases, and appealed to the general public not to fear the disease.
  • Leprosy is a completely curable disease when diagnosed and treated on time, and is not contagious in all forms, specifically neuritic leprosy.
  • Leprosy was declared notifiable in 2005 under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, and redeclared in 2017 to strengthen surveillance.
  • The stigma associated with leprosy has led to dedicated colonies and administrative rules, which need to be eliminated.

Statistics:

  • 7,863 new leprosy cases have been reported in Maharashtra as of September 2025.
  • 13,010 patients are currently under treatment for leprosy in Maharashtra.
  • The goal of achieving a 'Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027' aims to break the chain of infection, reduce disease transmission to zero, eliminate deformities among children, and eradicate social discrimination.

Sources:

  • Maharashtra government's directive declaring leprosy a notifiable disease.
  • Unison Medicare and Research Centre, Mumbai, consultant in infectious diseases, Dr. Ishwar Gilada's statement.
  • National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com.