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Maharashtra Declares Leprosy Notifiable, Mandates Two-Week Case Reporting to Drive 2027 Elimination Goal

The policy seeks stronger surveillance to curb transmission, preventing disabilities through early diagnosis.

Overview

  • Every confirmed case must be reported within two weeks to the District Health Officer, the Assistant Director (Health Services – Leprosy), and municipal health authorities.
  • The directive applies to public and private doctors as well as pathologists, microbiologists, healthcare workers, and field officers.
  • Health personnel are instructed to ensure treatment, follow-up, and provide post‑exposure prophylaxis to close contacts to break chains of infection.
  • As of September 2025, the state recorded 7,863 new cases and 13,010 patients under treatment, highlighting the need for tighter surveillance.
  • The 2027 target focuses on halting transmission, preventing deformities in children, and eliminating discrimination against people affected by leprosy.