ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): The progress in Leprosy eradication programme in the country is not slow.
(b): The estimated number of leprosy patients in the country, State/UT-wise is placed at Annexure.
(c) & (d): No such survey has been conducted by the Government.
(e): After detecting the rising trend of Grade-II Disability (G2D) cases of leprosy in 2015, following measures were taken to address the issues:-
I. Early case detection:
Three pronged strategy has been adopted for early case detection through (i) Conduct of Leprosy Case Detection Campaign (LCDC) in high endemic districts, (ii) Conduct of Focused Leprosy Campaign for hot spots in those rural and urban areas where any G2D case is detected and (iii) Special Plan for case detection in hard to reach areas.
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II. To promote and encourage early case reporting:
(i) Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaigns (SLACs) have been introduced in all villages of the country to make people aware about the disease and the need for early reporting (ii) ASHA Based Surveillance for Leprosy Suspects (ABSULS) has been introduced wherein ASHAs in villages identify leprosy suspects and refer them to the health facility for final diagnosis.
III. Prevention of leprosy/ Interrupt transmission: Post Exposure Prophylaxis administration to contacts of new leprosy cases detected has been introduced to contain further transmission of disease in the community.
IV. Other interventions: (i) Investigation of each case of Grade II Disability (G2D) is being insisted upon in order to ascertain the causes of occurrence of G2D, (ii) Extended ASHA scheme wherein incentives are being provided to ASHA as well as any community member who refers a suspected case of leprosy to health facility after confirmation of a leprosy case. (iii) Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) is being provided to all leprosy patients free of cost. (iv) Funds for procurement of material and supplies including supportive drugs are being provided to all State/UT Governments. (v) Various services are being provided under Programme for Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) activities which cover reaction management, self-care practices, provision of MCR footwear, Aids & Appliances, referral services for management of cases and reconstructive surgery at District Hospitals and Medical Colleges/Central leprosy/ NGO Institutions.
The above mentioned measures have given the much needed impetus to NLEP, and as a result of these, the rising trend of Grade II Disability has declined. The Grade II Disability per million which had risen to 4.48/ million population in March, 2015, has been brought down to 2.65/ million population by March, 2019.
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