SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an increase in cases of leprosy, malaria and tuberculosis over the past three years, according to fresh data presented in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
While the Union Territory’s leprosy detection rate rose to 0.8 per one lakh population in 2024-25 from 0.42 in 2023-24, malaria cases climbed to 108 in 2024 from 44 the previous year. Tuberculosis notifications also increased to 12,200 in 2024, up from 11,754 in 2023.
Across the country, the Union Health Ministry said the trends for leprosy, malaria and tuberculosis varied widely by region. India’s national leprosy detection rate declined from 7.55 in 2023-24 to 7.00 in 2024-25, though several high-burden States such as Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand continued to report elevated levels. Malaria cases nationwide rose from 2.27 lakh in 2023 to 2.55 lakh in 2024, with Odisha, Tripura, Mizoram and Maharashtra reporting significant caseloads. TB notifications increased to 26.17 lakh in 2024 from 25.52 lakh in 2023, driven largely by Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
The Ministry maintained that health is a State subject, and the responsibility for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and human resources—particularly in rural areas—lies with the States and Union Territories. The Centre supports States through technical and financial assistance under annual Programme Implementation Plans, including disease control programmes and health-system strengthening.
