Srinagar, Jul 14: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared leprosy a ‘Notifiable Disease’ across the Union Territory, making it mandatory for all healthcare establishments to report every diagnosed case to the authorities.
The Health and Medical Education Department issued a notification in exercise of powers conferred under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, stating that leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Although the disease is curable, delayed diagnosis and untreated cases can result in permanent disabilities and continued transmission within communities.
The notification noted that India has made remarkable progress under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), with the prevalence rate declining from 57 cases per 10,000 population in 1983 to 0.57 cases per 10,000 population in 2024-25, reflecting sustained public health interventions and surveillance efforts.
The decision follows recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, which, through a communication dated May 14, 2025, urged states and Union Territories to declare leprosy a notifiable disease in line with the National Strategic Plan for Leprosy 2023-2027 and the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021-2030 to achieve the vision of a “Leprosy-Free India.”
The Health Department has urged all government and private healthcare facilities, including medical colleges, corporate hospitals, non-governmental organizations, and other healthcare providers, to report every diagnosed case of leprosy to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the concerned district, with copies to the District Leprosy Officer and the State Leprosy Officer, NLEP, in the prescribed reporting format.
The move is also supported by provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, which require registered healthcare establishments to report notifiable diseases as directed by State or UT Government.
Officials said mandatory notification will strengthen disease surveillance, facilitate early detection, improve timely treatment, prevent disabilities associated with delayed diagnosis, and help interrupt community transmission through prompt public health interventions.
The notification also refers to a recommendation by the Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, who advised the formal declaration of leprosy as a notifiable disease to ensure mandatory reporting from all sectors.
Leprosy, a neglected tropical disease, remains a global health challenge despite effective treatments, with India among the highest-burden countries. The Health and Medical Education Department stated that the notification comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation until further orders.
