National Leprosy Eradication Programme

Introduction:

                   Leprosy is common disease like other diseases and can be completely cured by taking regular treatment.  It is neither inherited, nor the result of the past sins nor the curse of Gods.  Considering it a social stigma and trying to conceal the disease is nothing less than betraying oneself because delayed diagnosis and treatment can cause deformity and leprosy patients suffering from visible deformity are a living evidence of this fact. 

History of NLEP

                                                Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It usually affects the skin and peripheral nerves, but has a wide range of clinical manifestations. The disease is characterized by long incubation period generally 5-7 years and is classified as paucibacillary or mulitbacillary, depending on the bacillary load. Leprosy is a leading cause of permanent physical disability. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cases, before nerve damage has occurred, is the most effective way of preventing disability due to leprosy.

Strategy – Leprosy Elimination in Haryana:-

·       Decentralization of NLEP to States & Districts

·       Integration of leprosy services with General Health Care System (GHS).

·       Leprosy Training of GHS functionaries

·       Early diagnosis & prompt MDT, through routine and special efforts.

·       Information Education and Communication (IEC) using Local & Mass Media for reduction of Stigma & Discrimination.

·       Prevention of Disability & Medical Rehabilitation.

·       Monitoring & Periodic Evaluation.

·       Inter-sectoral collaboration.

·       Monitoring & Evaluation.

 National Leprosy Eradication Programme in Haryana at a Glance:

          This Programme is being implemented in the entire state with the financial assistance of World Bank & expert guidance of WHO.  The State of Haryana has already achieved the status of “Elimination of Leprosy” i.e. less than 1 case per 10,000 of population fixed by WHO. As no Targets were allotted by GOI after the year 2002-03.  Now, the Target of this Programme is that the prevalence rate should less than 1 case per 10,000 of population ,  the State of Haryana has already achieved this target. 

 The prevalence of Haryana is 0.14 per 10,000 of the population as on 30.06.10 At present there are 370 leprosy affected patients who are on treatment as on 30/6/10.

The Programme is being implemented as an integral part of Primary Health care Delivery system with the aim to detect hidden / unreported cases to combat the spread of disease and present themselves in the nearest health institution for diagnosis and treatment. Though, Haryana have achieved Elimination status of Leprosy, a large number of migratory populations suffering from this disease, from the neighbouring States of U.P., Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal & Orissa are visiting the State in search of labour.

Medicines:

The Anti Leprosy Drugs i.e. MDT are supplied Free of Cost and are available at all the District Leprosy Centers and Community Health Centers of the state.

Reconstructive Surgery Centre

There are 5 patients of grade I deformity who requires Reconstructive Surgery. RCS will be conducted with the help of Government Medical College, Sec-32, Chandigarh. All expenditure for the treatment of patients will be born by the programme. An incentive of Rs. 5000/- per surgery will be paid to Medical College, Sect-32, Chandigarh & 5000/- may be paid to BPL patients for RCS.

Lepra Colonies: 

 There are 20 lepra colonies situated in the various districts of the State.   In these lepra colonies people who have been cured of the diseases are residing.  Four colonies are being run by Hind Khust Niwaran Sangh and one by Red Cross Society which are aided by the Govt. and other 15 colonies are self settled colonies. In the aided colonies ration money @  Rs. 600/ per lepra inmate is being paid by the social welfare department. Besides a grant for payment of electricity and water charges are also being paid by the Social Welfare Department to four colonies being run by Hind Khust Niwaran Sangh. All the medical facilities are being provided in all the 20 colonies of the State.  Special trained Para Medical Worker is posted in all the districts who visit these colonies on regular intervals. All medicines, dressing etc. are being provided by the Health department. 

Name Of Leprosy Colones:-