SC Orders to Spread Awareness on Leprosy Treatment, Eliminate Discrimination

The Supreme Court has ordered a massive awareness campaign to be carried out by the central and state governments about the free treatment available for leprosy patients.

The Supreme Court has ordered to create awareness about the free treatment available for leprosy patients and has directed the central and state governments to formulate rehabilitation schemes for those individuals suffering from the disease. ////

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud issued a slew of directions to the center and the states and asked them to ensure proper treatment of leprosy patients and end discrimination against them.

Leprosy / Hansen's Disease - History
Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects any organ like skin, eyes, mucosa, periphery nerves or any other organ. It can cause irreversible disfigurement of the extremities and nerve damage.

‘The Supreme Court has ordered a massive awareness campaign to be carried out by the central and state governments on curability of leprosy.’

It directed that a "massive" awareness campaign be carried out by the government on curability of leprosy, adding that patients "should not be isolated" by the family or community as the person can "lead a normal life".

The bench directed to "end stigma" against leprosy patients and to make sure they get adequate medical care and rehabilitation measures.

It further directed that the Centre and state governments to ensure that both private and government aided schools should not discriminate against children affected by leprosy.

Exploring Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Leprosy
Leprosy shows up in different populations in different ways. It's very rare in the US, but is still an enormous problem in other parts of the world.

The court also directed that leprosy patients should be given Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards so they can avail Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme, which provides highly subsidized food to the poorest families.

The judgement of the apex court came on a PIL filed by advocate Pankaj Sinha who had alleged that governments have failed to eliminate the disease despite medical treatment available since 1981.

Gene Studies can Explain Leprosy Origin and it's Drug Resistance
Genes responsible for the antibiotic resistance in leprosy were analyzed to treat and control the spread of the disease

He had claimed that leprosy affects over 1.25 lakh people annually in the country and had sought a direction to the governments that leprosy drugs be made available at primary health centres in the country.

He also pleaded that an appropriate scheme be formulated to bring people suffering from leprosy into the national mainstream.

Leprosy Turns the Immune System Against Itself, Study Finds
Leprosy is an infectious disease that affects the skin and peripheral nerves and is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and, less commonly, Mycobacterium lepromatosis.

Earlier, the apex court had asked the Centre to consider framing a law to repeal all laws that discriminate against those suffering from leprosy and granted six weeks to the government for taking a decision on the issue.

Source-IANS