The economic survey stated that although Covid-19 cases have been decreasing, diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy cases are steadily increasing in Maharashtra.

According to the report′s public health statistics, there were 750 suspected TB cases per lakh people in 2021–2022, and the cure rate was 84%. The corresponding numbers for 2022–2023 were 1,552 and 85% (up to December 2022; same for current and succeeding cases). The report stated that eradicating TB cost Rs 88.2 crore in 2021–2022 and Rs 75.8 crore in 2022–2023.

The survey reported that the leprosy cases were 14,520 and 11,607 in 2021–2022, respectively, with a prevalence rate of 0.89 per 10,000 people. There were 15,945 newly reported cases of leprosy and 16,090 active cases during 2022–2023.

The National TB Program (NTP) was introduced in 1962 and revitalized by the GoI in 1993 and became the Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP). To control and eradicate TB in India by 2025, the RNTCP has published the "National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis 2017–2025" (NSP). TB eradication has been incorporated into the four strategic pillars of: detect-treat-prevent-build, claims the NSP. The directly observed treatment short (DOTS) course is one RNTCP approach.

The National Leprosy Eradication Project intends to eradicate leprosy (prevalence of less than one case per 10,000 people in all districts), increase disability prevention and medical rehab for those with the disease, and lessen the stigma associated with it.

Last week, the chief minister, Eknath Shinde, suggested forming a committee by the state government comprising of senior officials and people running NGOs like Prakash Amte and Vikas Amte to decide on a rehabilitation strategy and explore options to find employment for leprosy patients.

 (Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/tb-leprosy-on-the-rise-with-waning-of-covid-19/98505461)