Prior to formation of Separate state, Maharashtra was the part
of Bombay Province till 1960. Post of State Leprosy Officer was
in existence since 1943 and was filled in 1949, the main duty then
included advising the Govt. on leprosy services based on sample
surveys conducted by him. Then the available leprosy services included
leprosy asyla run by missionaries to provide sheltered segregation
and treatment with hydnocarpus oil. In 1951 treatment with sulphones
was initiated.
1942
Leprosy Hospital at Kondhawa taken over by Govt.
from the " Mission to Lepers".
1944
Leprosy Hospital Ratnagiri taken over by Govt.
from District Local Board.
1950
Scheme for Leprosy Control Work in a limited area
under Hind Kushtha Nivaran Sangh.
1953
Leprosy Control Centre established at Ambewadi
in district Sangali. Pilot projects for leprosy control started
at Vairag dist. Solapur, Mul dist. Chandrapur, Sevagram dist.
Wardha.
1955
Treatment with DDS tablets introduced in all local
bodies and Govt. hospitals, 1st documentary film on leprosy
prepared by Directorate of Publicity. Greater Bombay Leprosy
Control Scheme of Bombay Municipal Corporation in collaboration
with Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation and State Govt.
1955- 56
Launch of National Leprosy Control Program throughout
the country including state with following principles
i) Detection of all cases especially those of the infectious
type at as early as possible
ii) Provision of treatment facilities to all patients so detected
and
iii) Health Education to create a favorable atmosphere which
will help both in case detection as well as case holding program.
1958
SET centre attached to existing dispensaries and
centres started. Thereafter with every 5 year plan SET centres,
leprosy control units and urban leprosy centres were established
in the entire state.
Post of state leprosy officer was upgraded to
Deputy Director (Health) in 1965 and further upgraded to Joint
Director (Health) in 1981
Milestones of NLEP in Maharashtra
1955- 1956
launch of National Leprosy Control Programme.
1970s
Definite cure through MDT was identified
1983
launching of National Leprosy Eradication Programme.,
Multi Drug Therapy introduced in selected urban area & Wardha
district.
1983- 1997
Remaining districts brought under MDT in phased
manner.
1993 - 2000
World Bank Assisted NLEP Project Phase- I
Objectives
1.
To support vertical programme structure for endemic
dists.
Jan. 1997: Implementation of National Leprosy Elimination.
2.
Establishment of Mobile Leprosy Treatment Unit
(MLTU) in moderate & low endemic dists.
3.
Formation of district leprosy societies.
Jan. 1997: Implementation of National Leprosy Elimination
Strategy
Main Activities-Programme renamed as National
Leprosy Elimination Programme with an objective to bring down
the P R of leprosy to below 1 per 10,000 population.
1998
Introduction of ROM in the state.
30 Jan 98-5 Feb 98
1st Modified Leprosy Elimination Campaign
Main Activities 3 day technical training
for GHCS staff, One month IEC Campaign, Active leprosy search
with the help of GHC staff
