This is
the bitter truth of the society where marriage is supposed to be an agreement to stand together in happiness
and pain, but practically and legally the scenario changes in sickness. When
people get diseases like Leprosy, the courage and promises of staying together
vanishes. This chronic bacterial infection has not only affected human skin but
also relationship.
According
to personal laws- Hindu Marriage Act, Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act,
Divorce Act( for Christian) etc Leprosy
was a ground of divorce.
In
August 2018, the Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha to end the discrimination
against the Leprosy patients. The bill has been passed in Lok Sabha in January
2019.
The
United Nations Resolution and Law Commission’s Report
The 256th
Report of Law Commission recommended the change in laws which were discriminatory
against the Leprosy Patients.
India is
a signatory to a UN Resolution which calls for the elimination of
discrimination against persons suffering from Leprosy. Leprosy as a ground of
divorce was contradicting to the resolution.
The
National Human Right’s commission has also made a proposal for the government in
this regard.
Leprosy
is Curable Disease
Leprosy
was earlier known to be incurable disease. The scenario changed with time, and the
cure has been found.
The
Disease
Leprosy
remains growing and it continues to account for 60% new cases globally
each year. India comes under top 22 global priority countries that contribute
to leprosy cases.
What is
Leprosy ?
Leprosy,
also known as Hansen's disease, is a long-term infection by the bacterium
Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Initially, infections are
without symptoms and typically remain this way for 5 to 20 years. Symptoms that
develop include granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes.
This may result in a lack of ability to feel pain, which can lead to the loss of
parts of extremities due to repeated injuries or infection due to unnoticed
wounds. Weakness and poor eyesight may also be present.
To
tackle such cases of Leprosy, Indian government has launched NELP program, that
stands for National Leprosy Eradication Programme.
National
Leprosy Eradication Programme (NELP)
The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) is the centrally
sponsored health scheme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Government of India. While the NLEP strategies and
plans are formulated centrally, the programme is implemented by states and
union territories (UTs). The programme is also supported
by WHO, ILEP, and few other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Problems and challenges with Program
Lack of efficient reporting due to less awareness, continuing
fear, stigma and discrimination leads to increase in cases. Working programs
are more concerned in achieving the target set by WHO instead of having a focus
on eliminating.
Leprosy health workers are multipurpose workers with additional
responsibility of HIV and tuberculosis control. Lack of funding remains the
issue as well
States which have reduced prevalence of cases earlier has also
started getting the cases again which remains the matter of concern again.
How to tackle the challenge?
Skin Smear Devices those are needed for investigation need to be
reintroduced in the system.
Need of wider awareness about leprosy should be given attention.
Collaboration
between different government institutions, ministries and countries is
suggested.
