Maharashtra To Form High-Level Panel For Leprosy Eradication; Proposal To Triple Grants For NGOs

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Public Health Department is set to establish a state-level committee to enhance the implementation of the leprosy eradication program. Health Minister Prakash Ambitkar announced the move, stating that the committee will include medical experts, doctors, NGOs, and individuals actively working in the field of leprosy. The committee will submit quarterly reports to the state government and is expected to make crucial recommendations to improve the program’s effectiveness.

In addition to this advisory body, a separate operational committee under the leadership of the Commissioner of Health Services will also be formed. This committee will oversee patient detection campaigns, treatment, and rehabilitation activities across urban, rural, and school sectors, and provide guidance on standardized procedures.

During a recent meeting at Vidhan Bhavan, MLA Sulabha Khodke and representatives from various voluntary organizations demanded an increase in financial aid for NGOs managing leprosy treatment and rehabilitation centers. Currently, 12 NGO-run hospitals operate 2,764 beds and 11 rehabilitation centers have 1,825 approved beds. These institutions receive ₹2,200 and ₹2,000 per bed per month, respectively.

In response, the Public Health Department has drafted a proposal to increase the grant to ₹6,000 per bed per month. The proposal has been submitted to the Finance Department and is expected to be tabled before the State Cabinet soon.

Health Minister Ambitkar stressed the importance of intensifying the leprosy eradication initiative, calling it a priority under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship health mission. “The Health Department must focus on a three-pronged approach—early detection, timely treatment, and complete eradication. Efforts should be strengthened through ASHA workers, school health programs, and other community health staff,” he said.