Overview

• A state-level advisory committee of medical experts, NGOs and field workers will guide the implementation of Maharashtra’s leprosy eradication programme
• An independent panel under the Health Services Commissioner will develop uniform guidelines for patient detection, treatment and rehabilitation in urban, rural and school settings
• Both panels are mandated to submit reports every three months to strengthen monitoring and align state action with the national three-drug regimen launched in April
• The finance department is evaluating a proposal to increase monthly NGO subsidies from Rs2,000–2,200 to Rs6,000 per bed ahead of a state cabinet decision
• Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has directed ASHA workers and school health programmes to intensify leprosy screening and patient outreach under the new governance framework