Question : REHABILITATION OF LEPROSY AFFECTED PERSONS

(a) whether the Government has any scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation and welfare of the leprosy affected disabled persons;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the funds allocated and released during the current year for this purpose and details of utilization during this period;

(d) whether the Madras High Court has sought a report from the Union Government about the enhancement of financial assistance to totally affected leprosy disabled persons and partially leprosy affected persons; and

(e) if so, the reaction of the Union Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. SUBBULAKSHMI JAGADEESAN)

(a)& (b) Under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme, services are made available through all Primary Health Centers (PHC) & Govt. dispensaries free of cost. Following activities are undertaken for the benefit of leprosy affected persons:

(i) Organising Prevention of Disability (POD) camps at block level, where leprosy disabled patients receive one day training on self-care practices.

(ii) Conducting Re-constructive Surgery (RCS) operations at various recognized institutions managed by NGO`s, Central Govt. Leprosy teaching & research centers, identified Medical Colleges.

(iii) Supplying footwear to needy patients through District Leprosy Societies, NGO`s & ILEP institutions.

(c) During the current year 2006-07, the funds released to the States for the above-mentioneD activities are shown below:

S. No.	Activities	Funds released during 2006-07	(Rs. in lakh)
1	POD Camp	214.68
2	Footwear	71.04
3	Splint & Crutches	23.68