Question : National Leprosy Eradication Programme

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to accommodate the para-medical staff on the vacant post of NMAs under the National Leprosy Eradication Project fully funded by the World Bank is under consideration of the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof, if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the services of para-medical workers appointed in the year 1993-94 have been terminated without any notice;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has any roadmap to conduct ''World Leprosy Eradication Day'' to fight against this disease; and

(f) if so, the details thereof along with the planning of the Government to eliminate superstitious and social stigma surrounding the disease?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a): No.

(b): Does not arise.

(c) & (d): The above para medical workers were appointed on contractual basis under World Bank support was terminated their services were also terminated.

(e) & (f): Yes. Government is carrying out early case detection in order to reduce the case load thereby reducing further transmission of disease. To address the issue of social stigma and rnyths about the leprosy, IEC and Behavior Change Communication is being used.