Maharashtra To Form State-Level Committee For Leprosy Eradication

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Health Minister Announces Panel Of Experts, NGOs, And Doctors To Ensure Effective Monitoring And Reforms

Mumbai, July 15 – In a renewed push towards the eradication of leprosy in Maharashtra, the state government will soon set up a high-powered committee comprising public health experts, doctors, and NGOs, announced Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Ambitkar during a meeting at the Vidhan Bhavan.

The state-level committee will submit a detailed report to the government every three months, ensuring the implementation of targeted interventions. Minister Ambitkar emphasized that the panel’s recommendations will guide a more efficient and impactful execution of leprosy eradication programs statewide.

Additionally, the government will form a separate monitoring committee under the Commissioner of Health Services, which will frame operational strategies for urban, rural, and school-level case detection, treatment, and rehabilitation. This committee will play a critical role in guiding field-level operations and policy feedback loops.

Representatives from several voluntary institutions requested an increase in state grants during the meeting. Currently, Maharashtra has:

12 leprosy hospitals with 2,764 sanctioned beds
11 rehabilitation centers with 1,825 beds

These hospitals currently receive a monthly grant of ₹2,200 per bed, while rehabilitation centers get ₹2,000 per bed. The Health Department has submitted a proposal to raise the grant to ₹6,000 per bed, which is currently under review by the Finance Department and will soon be placed before the State Cabinet.

Reiterating the importance of the leprosy eradication mission as a flagship initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Ambitkar called for focused implementation on the three pillars of:

Active case detection
Timely treatment
Comprehensive rehabilitation

He urged that ASHA workers, school health inspections, and community health staff be mobilized to reach undiagnosed and underserved patients more effectively.

The meeting was attended by MLA Sulabha Khodke, representatives from Vidarbha Maharogi Seva Mandal (Tapovan), Health Commissioner Dr. Kadambari Balkawade, Director of Health Services Dr. Vijay Khandewad, Deputy Director for Leprosy Dr. Sangle, and various NGO stakeholders.