Maharashtra Declares Leprosy a Notifiable Disease: A Step Towards Eradicating Stigma and Ensuring Early Treatment
In a significant move to combat leprosy, the Maharashtra government has declared the disease as 'notifiable.' This mandate aims to curb the spread of leprosy and ensure timely treatment for patients, ultimately working towards a Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027.
LeprosyNotifiable DiseaseMaharashtraEarly TreatmentHealth PolicyReal Estate MaharashtraNov 02, 2025
As per the new directive, every diagnosed case must be notified within two weeks to the respective District Health Office, Assistant Director (Health Services – Leprosy), and local municipal health authorities. This proactive approach is crucial in managing the disease effectively.
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. Symptoms include discoloured skin patches, lack of ability to feel touch, pressure, pain, muscle weakness, deformities, particularly in hands, feet, and face, and the inability to close eyes and poor vision. Despite being completely curable, fear, stigma, and misconceptions have prevented many from seeking proper treatment.
The Health Department emphasised that early detection and complete treatment are crucial to preventing deformities and disabilities among patients. To this end, the state has set an ambitious target of achieving a “Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027.” This target includes breaking the chain of infection, reducing disease transmission to zero, eliminating deformities in children, and eradicating social discrimination against those affected.
To achieve this, health authorities directed all doctors, both in public and private sectors, along with pathologists, microbiologists, healthcare workers, and field officers, to ensure proper treatment and follow-up. They have also asked to administer Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to close contacts of patients. This comprehensive approach aims to cover all bases in the fight against leprosy.
As of September 2025, Maharashtra recorded 7,863 new leprosy cases, with 13,010 patients currently under treatment. Notably, health officials in the state appealed to the public not to panic, emphasising that leprosy is entirely curable if diagnosed and treated on time. Citizens have been encouraged to visit their nearest health centre immediately if any symptoms appear.
“Not all leprosy cases are infectious. Especially, neuritic leprosy — leprosy of peripheral nerves is noncommunicable. Hence, while making it notifiable, only infectious leprosy should be notifiable,” Dr Ishwar Gilada, a Mumbai-based Consultant in Infectious Diseases, told IANS. This clarification is important to prevent unnecessary alarm and to focus resources on the most critical cases.
The Maharashtra government’s initiative is a significant step towards not only treating leprosy but also addressing the social and psychological aspects of the disease. By making leprosy a notifiable disease, the state is taking a proactive stance to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against this curable but often stigmatized condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a notifiable disease?
A notifiable disease is a condition that, by law, must be reported to public health authorities upon diagnosis. This helps in monitoring and controlling the spread of the disease.
What are the symptoms of leprosy?
Symptoms of leprosy include discoloured skin patches, lack of ability to feel touch, pressure, pain, muscle weakness, deformities in hands, feet, and face, and the inability to close eyes and poor vision.
Why is early detection and treatment of leprosy important?
Early detection and treatment of leprosy are crucial to prevent deformities and disabilities among patients and to reduce the spread of the disease.
What is the target set by the Maharashtra government for leprosy?
The Maharashtra government has set an ambitious target of achieving a Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027, which includes breaking the chain of infection, reducing disease transmission to zero, eliminating deformities in children, and eradicating social discrimination.
What is Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and why is it important?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a preventive treatment given to close contacts of leprosy patients to reduce the risk of infection. It is important to prevent the spread of the disease and to protect vulnerable individuals.
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