The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on July 14, 2026, issued the notification regarding Leprosy Declared as a Notifiable Disease in Delhi
The following has been stated namely: -
• Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the skin, nerves, eyes, and respiratory tract. If untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities, blindness, and deformities.
• To support India's goal of achieving a Leprosy-Free India by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.3) and the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027), stronger surveillance and reporting are required.
• The Government of Delhi has declared Leprosy a Notifiable Disease under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. All newly diagnosed cases must be reported.
• Doctors, pathologists, microbiologists, healthcare workers, and all public, private, NGO, corporate healthcare providers, and medical institutions must notify confirmed cases within two weeks to the District Leprosy Officer, with a copy to the State Leprosy Officer.
• Diagnosis, treatment, and reporting must follow the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) guidelines issued by the Government of India.
This shall come into force on July 14, 2026.
[Notification No. DSHM/NLEP/NOTIFIABLE DISEASE/01/60/2025-26/Jbkdsh/50]
