Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Maharashtra Declares Leprosy a Notifiable Disease to Combat Spread
Imagine a sickness called leprosy that can make people's skin and bodies have problems.
The government in a place called Maharashtra has decided that if a doctor finds someone with this sickness, they must tell the health office right away.
This is like putting the sickness on a special list, called 'notifiable'.
By telling everyone quickly, doctors can help people get better much sooner.
This is important because if leprosy isn't treated early, it can cause permanent damage.
The government wants to stop leprosy completely in Maharashtra by the year 2027.
They are asking all doctors to help find cases and give medicine to people who have been near someone with leprosy.
They also want everyone to know that leprosy can be cured and to not be afraid or make fun of people who have it.
Maharashtra has declared leprosy a 'notifiable disease' to facilitate early detection and treatment.
All diagnosed leprosy cases must be reported to health authorities within two weeks.
The state aims to achieve a 'Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027' by breaking infection chains and eliminating deformities.
Healthcare providers are directed to ensure treatment, follow-up, and administer Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts.
Maharashtra recorded 7,863 new leprosy cases as of September 2025, with 13,010 patients currently undergoing treatment.
- Who
- Maharashtra government, doctors, healthcare workers, and citizens
- What
- Leprosy has been declared a 'notifiable disease', requiring mandatory reporting of diagnosed cases to health authorities.
- When
- Declared on Saturday, effective immediately, with a target for a 'Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027'.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To curb the spread of leprosy, ensure early treatment, prevent deformities, and eradicate social discrimination.
Specific Notification
General Notification
Infectious vs. Non-infectious Cases
Specific Notification
Dr. Ishwar Gilada suggests that only infectious leprosy cases should be notifiable, as neuritic leprosy (affecting peripheral nerves) is non-communicable.
General Notification
The government's directive mandates notification for all diagnosed cases, implicitly including all forms of leprosy for tracking and intervention purposes.
- Disease Declared
- Leprosy (Hansen's disease)
- Status
- Notifiable Disease
- Jurisdiction
- Maharashtra, India
- Target Year for Leprosy-Free State
- 2027
- New Cases (Sep 2025)
- 7,863
- Patients Under Treatment (Sep 2025)
- 13,010