Mandatory Reporting of Cases Within Two Weeks
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has officially declared leprosy a notifiable disease, requiring all diagnosed cases to be reported within two weeks to the District Health Office, Assistant Director (Health Services – Leprosy), and local municipal health authorities. The move aims to strengthen surveillance, curb transmission, and ensure timely treatment.
Step Toward Early Detection and Prevention
Health officials stated that compulsory reporting will help identify cases sooner and reduce the spread of the infection. According to the new directive, all healthcare providers—public and private—must notify confirmed cases promptly, news agency IANS reported.
Understanding Leprosy and Its Challenges
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Symptoms include discoloured skin patches, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, deformities of the hands, feet, and face, and reduced vision. Despite being fully curable, widespread stigma and misconceptions often prevent people from seeking timely medical help.
Focus on Awareness and Treatment Completion
The Health Department emphasised that early diagnosis and complete treatment are essential to prevent deformities and long-term disabilities. Public awareness campaigns will be intensified to reduce stigma and encourage affected individuals to seek medical attention.
Target: Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027
The state has set an ambitious goal of eliminating leprosy by 2027. This includes breaking the chain of infection, stopping transmission, preventing disabilities in children, and eradicating social discrimination against those affected.
Doctors and Health Workers Assigned Key Responsibilities
All doctors, pathologists, microbiologists, field officers, and healthcare workers have been directed to ensure proper diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Authorities have also advised administering Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts of confirmed leprosy patients.
Current Leprosy Burden in the State
As of September 2025, Maharashtra has recorded 7,863 new leprosy cases, with 13,010 patients currently undergoing treatment. Health officials stressed that there is no need for public panic, as the disease is entirely curable when detected early.
Clarification on Infectious vs Non-Communicable Forms
“Infectious leprosy should be the focus of notification. Not all forms are contagious—neuritic leprosy, which affects peripheral nerves, is noncommunicable,” said Dr. Ishwar Gilada, a Mumbai-based infectious diseases specialist, while speaking to IANS.
