New Delhi: Delhi Health Minister Dr. A.K. Walia said that it is a matter of satisfaction that the prevalence of leprosy in Delhi is on decline. In 2001, the prevalence of leprosy in Delhi was 4.5 cases per 10000 population. It has now come down to 0.8 cases per 10000 population. He added that as per WHO guidelines, when the number of leprosy patients comes down below one case per 10000 populations, the disease is said to have been eliminated as a public health problem. He said that it is a matter of satisfaction that Delhi has been able to achieve that level and it can be said that leprosy has been eliminated from the capital city as a public health problem.
The Health Minister said that the elimination of leprosy as a public health problem should not be a cause of complacency. All those belonging to medical professions and the public in general should unite to ensure complete eradication of leprosy. He said that citizens should be educated and made aware to the fact that leprosy is least infectious. It must be understood by one and all that the patient does not require hospitalization for its treatment
Dr. Walia informed that at present, 1340 patients belonging to Delhi are taking treatment from various healthcare institutions in Delhi. In addition to this, 1602 patients belonging to Delhi’s neighbouring states as well as our neighbouring country Nepal are also taking treatment in Delhi Hospitals.
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