Shocking: Leprosy-free India Has More Than 1.3 Lakh Reported Cases

India has been announced as a leprosy-free country, 13 years back; but in 2016, 1.3 lakh new leprosy cases were found. Experts say it is an understatement about cases. According to the recent report published in the Lancet, after the 2005 announcement, the government did not look into leprosy cases.

As per the survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2008 – 2011. An estimated number of 250,000 new leprosy cases were discovered in India, each year.

It is known that leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused due to Mycobacterium leprae and it is transmitted via droplets from the mouth and nose. The infection can affect the skin, peripheral nerves and eyes. Leprosy may also lead to the nerve damage and disfigurement.

Considering the constant harassment suffered by leprosy patients, the recently, Supreme Court said there should be no discrimination against leprosy patients and adequate rehabilitation should be provided for them.

Source- The Print