February, 5 2017:

Despite being a "curable" disease, it still remains a stigma for the Nation, it is pleaded.

Supreme Court asked Centre to prepare a comprehensive policy for implementation of a plan within four weeks for eradication of the Leprosy.

Apex Court Bench comprising of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices N V Ramana and Justice D Y Chandrachud stated that Centre should also submit in plan as how it intends to fill large scale vacancy at ground level.

Standing Counsel Bala Subramanium appearing for Centre stated that Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattishgarh were the leprosy endemic states and efforts are being made to eradicate leprosy.

He further added that an online programme is being launched to detect the patients and their treatment.

Supreme Court was hearing PIL which has been filed by Advocate Pankaj Sinha, wherein Apex Court had earlier rapped authorities for their "apathy" in eradicating leprosy from country, saying that despite it being "curable", disease still remains a stigma.

Sinha, in his plea stated that leprosy affects over 1.25 lakh people annually in the country.

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