New leprosy treatment regimen pushed

In a bid to eradicate leprosy by 2027, the health ministry has urged states and Union territories to implement a revised treatment regimen for paucibacillary and multibacillary cases.

- Priyanka Sharma

As per the new plan, the government has introduced a three-drug regimen for paucibacillary cases in place of a two-drug regimen for six months, being adopted internationally. This new drug regime, referred to as multidrug therapy, is recommended by the World Health Organization.