Maharashtra makes Leprosy a Notifiable Disease

Maharashtra has declared leprosy a “notifiable disease”, mandating that all diagnosed cases be reported to health authorities to strengthen surveillance, early treatment and prevention. The state said the move aligns with India’s and WHO’s strategies to arrest transmission and disability due to delayed diagnosis.

Notification, scope and legal backing

The Health Department’s notification, effective 30 October 2025, brings leprosy under compulsory reporting across government, private, NGO, corporate and academic facilities. The step is pitched as a public-health measure under existing epidemic-control provisions.

Mandatory reporting timeline and workflow

Every confirmed case must be notified within two weeks to the District Health Office, Assistant Director (Health Services – Leprosy) and local municipal authorities. The order standardises case registration and follow-up to ensure timely multidrug therapy (MDT) and reduce drop-outs.

Burden, goals and programmatic focus

As of September 2025, Maharashtra recorded 7,863 new cases, with 13,010 patients on treatment—among the highest state burdens. The government targets a “Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027”, aiming for zero transmission, elimination of deformities in children and an end to stigma through active case-finding and disability prevention.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is caused by Mycobacterium leprae; MDT cures the infection and is provided free in public facilities.
• Reporting is now mandatory within 14 days of diagnosis in Maharashtra.
• WHO and India endorse single-dose rifampicin post-exposure prophylaxis (SDR-PEP) for eligible contacts.
• Notification aims to improve early detection and prevent disability due to late presentation.

Contact prophylaxis, public advice and next steps

Health workers have been directed to identify and screen close contacts of index cases and administer SDR-PEP where eligible, alongside rigorous follow-up until treatment completion. Officials urged citizens not to panic and to seek care promptly for symptoms such as numb skin patches and weakness, noting that early MDT prevents disability and interrupts transmission.