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Maharashtra Makes Leprosy a Notifiable Disease, Sets 2027 Elimination Goal

The order mandates two-week case reporting to designated health offices to tighten surveillance.

Overview

  • All doctors and health institutions must report each diagnosed case within two weeks to the District Health Office, the Assistant Director (Health Services – Leprosy), and municipal public health authorities.
  • Providers have been directed to ensure complete treatment and follow-up for patients and to give post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts.
  • State data show 7,863 new cases as of September 2025, with 13,010 patients currently under treatment.
  • Officials urged early care, noting that leprosy is curable with timely treatment and that free diagnosis and therapy are available at government health centres.
  • The directive aligns with national notifiability policies from 2005 and 2017, while experts note debate over whether only infectious forms should be subject to mandatory reporting.