Even though India achieved the goal of elimination (i.e. point prevalence rate of less than 1 case per 10,000 population) of leprosy as a public health problem at national level in December 2005, higher prevalence of leprosy is reported in some areas. Therefore, new cases of leprosy occur due to long incubation period of disease and relatively higher prevalence of leprosy in certain areas of the country. However, new leprosy cases are showing a declining trend i.e. from 1.61 lakh cases in 2005-06 to 1.34 in 2009-10.

Leprosy can be cured by Multi Drug Therapy (MDT), whether the case is detected early or late. However, early diagnosis and treatment reduces the chances of physical deformity. The diagnosis of leprosy and treatment through MDT is being provided free of cost through Primary Health Centre/Government dispensaries throughout the country. However, following steps are being taken under National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) for early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy:-

(i) Leprosy services have been integrated with the General Health Care System

(ii) Intensified IEC activities for generating greater public awareness so that suspect persons report to health facilities at an early stage.

(iii) ASHAs are being involved in detection of leprosy cases in early stage during their field visits and referring such cases to nearest Primary Health Centre.

of report they were re-inspected and found eligible to conduct courses.

This information was given by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Dinesh Trivedi in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha