Three-Drug Regimen To Be Introduced By Union Health Ministry To Treat Leprosy

The Union Health Ministry has decided to implement a new treatment regimen for leprosy to stop its transmission at the sub-national level by 2027. This is said to be three years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals. To stay true to its commitment and follow the latest globally accepted scientific research studies and evidence-based practices, the Health Ministry has decided to introduce a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases instead of the existing two-drug for six months.

Deputy Director General, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Sudarsan Mandal, in letter to states and Union Territories said the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is taking all required steps to stop the transmission of leprosy at the sub-national level. Also, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has taken a significant step in the Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) treatment regimen for leprosy patients in India.

The letter reinstated the fact that the Ministry of Health has decided to introduce a three-drug regimen for Pauci-Bacillary (PB) cases in place of a two-drug regimen for six months, following the latest globally accepted scientific research studies and evidence-based practices. This letter was sent on January 17, days ahead of National Leprosy Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has agreed to supply the revised drug regimen starting April 1, 2025. Therefore, all states and Union Territories are requested to send their requisition of anti-leprosy drugs 12 months before the timeline, the letter from Mandal emphasized.

This new treatment regimen for leprosy patients is believed to mark a significant step forward in our collective efforts to eradicate leprosy in India by 2027.