Give quota facility to leprosy patients: SC
NEW DELHI: A slew of directions were given on Friday by the Supreme Court, asking the government to provide leprosy patients with reservation facility under the disability quota and with Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards to enable them to secure their right to food.
A bench led by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said Centre and states must take steps to eradicate discrimination against leprosy and rehabilitate those suffering from it.
Publicity drives should be undertaken to make citizens aware about leprosy being a curable disease.
“Medical staff in private and government hospitals should be sensitised to ensure that leprosy patients do not face discrimination,” the court said while disposing a PIL filed by advocate Pankaj Sinha claiming the government was not taking adequate measures to eradicate leprosy.
One of the suggestions also includes framing rule that public and private schools do not discriminate against children. Children should not be turned away and an attempt should be made to provide them free education, the court said.
“Due attention must be paid to ensure that the persons affected with leprosy are issued BPL cards so that they can avail the benefits under AAY scheme and other similar schemes which would enable them to secure their right to food,” the court said.
“Awareness campaigns should also inform that a person affected with leprosy can lead a normal married life, can have children, can take part in social events and go to work or school as normal. Acceptability of leprosy patients in the society would go a long way in reducing the stigma attached to the disease,” court said, asking the Centre and States to undertake the awareness exercise every year on international leprosy day.it must be ensured that drugs for leprosy are available free of cost and do not go out of stock at all Primary Health Centres (PHCS) and other public health centres.
Treatment of leprosy should be integrated into general health care which will usher in a no-isolation method in general wards and OPD services.