J&K Government on Monday declared leprosy a “Notifiable Disease” across J&K, mandating that all diagnosed cases be reported immediately by both public and private hospitals and healthcare providers.
The notice has said that India has made “remarkable progress under National Leprosy Eradication Program”, and cases of leprosy in India have dropped from 57 per 10,000 people in 1983 to 0.57 cases per 10,000 people in 2024-25.
The Union Health Ministry through its intensified efforts to eradicate leprosy in India has emphasized on strengthened surveillance, and timely reporting of all the cases. This aligns with the National Strategic Plan 2023-27 and Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-30.
The notification issued today by the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department has been made under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. It emphasizes the need for strengthened surveillance and timely detection to prevent disabilities and community transmission. Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Although it is curable, delayed detection can and does lead to permanent disabilities.
The notification cites a directive from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and a recommendation from the Mission Director, National Health Mission (J&K). It requires all government and private healthcare facilities, including all medical colleges, NGOs, and private healthcare providers to report every diagnosed case to the Chief Medical Officer of the concerned district. The copy of the report must also be sent to District Leprosy Officer and State Leprosy Officer in the prescribed NLEP format. The declaration achieves immediate effect and will remain in place until further orders.
