Concerned that India continues to be home to about 59 per cent of the global leprosy cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the States to eradicate the contagious disease by 2019 from the country.
However, States and Union Health Ministry have expressed inability saying it was not possible given long incubation period (Duration from time of entry of the organism in the body to appearance of first clinical sign and symptom) of the leprosy.
Moreover, they pointed out that after showing decline in cases till 2005, the trend has remained almost static with little reduction.
At a video conference chaired by Modi on March 22 with the State Chief Secretaries, the Prime Minister took keen interest on the status and steps being taken to wipe out leprosy from the country, said a senior official from the Health Ministry.
“The Prime Minister was talking for eradication of the disease within the next three years. But we explained him that incubation period for leprosy is variable from few weeks to even 20 years. The average incubation period for the disease is said to be 5-7 years. Hence, even if we mop up all the cases in the three years eruption threat remain high.”
He also said that due to poor detection by the States whose focus seem to be now on life-style diseases and maternal and child care, the leprosy was visible in the form of Grade II disability (the condition where limbs disfigures).
They said that the Prime Minister was informed that Grade- II disability cases were gradually increasing among new cases from 3.10 per cent (2010-11) to 4.61 per cent (2014-2015).
“It indicated that the cases were not being detected in time and only early detection of the cases and timely treatment was the only solution to make a dent in the present situation,” the official said.
However, they feel PM’s intervention will give fresh impetus to fight leprosy which was declared eliminated in 2005.
Stepping up its efforts against the disease, the Ministry along with the States had kicked off a 15-day campaign last month to detect the cases from 50 high endemic states. Atleast 60,000 suspected cases were reported.
Plans are afoot to launch such drive annually at the state and district levels and strengthen efforts for the early detection and treatment of leprosy at the grassroots level, the official added.