Govt aims for zero leprosy transmission
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 30 2026: The Indian Government is intensifying its efforts to achieve zero leprosy transmission in the country, including Manipur, by 2027, said Dr Karam Lokendro, retd Director of Health Services and senior consultant dermatologist, Babina Hospital, Khabeisoi.

He was speaking at the observation of National Anti-Leprosy Day 2026 held today at Heritage Hall, Indian Medical Association, Lamphel under the theme "Ending Discrimination, Ensuring Dignity".

The ceremony was jointly organised by National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), National Health Mission (NHM), Manipur and Directorate of Health Services, Manipur.

The event was graced by Dr Salam Bocha Singh, State Leprosy Officer, NLEP as the functional president and Dr RK Rosie, State Nodal Officer, IEC/NVHCP as the guest of honour.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Karam Lokendro said that National Anti-Leprosy Day is held on Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary in commemoration of his dedication and care for people affected by leprosy.

In the past, the disease came with a lot of social stigma, ostracization and fear as it caused physical disabilities when left untreated.

Though it is completely curable now, the stigma has not completely been eliminated.

With the establishment of NLEP in 1983 and introduction of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), leprosy became curable.

Intensive efforts were launched to make the medications available at all Government hospitals free of cost, he said.

Highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention, Dr Karam Lokendro said that leprosy patients become non-infectious shortly after starting Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) .

Every year approximately 1 lakh leprosy cases are detected in India but fortunately in Manipur the figure is very low.

However, the disease has not been completely eliminated.

There are currently 8 leprosy patients in Manipur while a total of 20 persons have received treatment and are undergoing MDT.

The stigma surrounding the disease was slowly removed through awareness programmes, he said.

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