SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has declared leprosy a notifiable disease across the Union Territory with immediate effect, making it mandatory for all government and private healthcare institutions to report every diagnosed case to the designated health authorities.
The decision, approved on the orders of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, was notified by the Health and Medical Education Department under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. The move is aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, ensuring early diagnosis and treatment, and preventing further transmission of the disease.
Under the notification, all government and private hospitals, medical colleges, non-governmental organisations and private healthcare providers are required to report every confirmed case of leprosy to the Chief Medical Officer of the concerned district. A copy of the report must also be forwarded to the District Leprosy Officer and the State Leprosy Officer in the prescribed National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) format.
The government said the notification has been issued following a directive from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and recommendations made by the Mission Director, National Health Mission, Jammu and Kashmir.
Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Although the disease is curable, delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent disabilities.
The notification has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
The government said the decision is expected to strengthen monitoring, improve case management and support the national objective of achieving a leprosy-free India through coordinated public health interventions.
