Tue Jul 15 22:34:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and adhering to the other constraints:

**Maharashtra Forms State-Level Committee to Bolster Leprosy Eradication Efforts**

**Mumbai, July 16, 2025:** The Maharashtra Public Health Department is taking decisive action to strengthen its leprosy eradication program by establishing a dedicated State-level committee. The announcement, made by State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, follows growing calls for increased funding and a more robust approach to tackling the disease.

The newly formed committee will comprise experts, doctors, NGO representatives, and individuals with direct experience in leprosy eradication efforts. Its primary function will be to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the state’s initiatives and provide recommendations to the government every three months. These recommendations will be crucial in shaping the ongoing leprosy eradication program.

The decision was prompted, in part, by pressure from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Sulabha Khodke and several NGOs advocating for increased grants to support leprosy eradication. Responding to these concerns, the Public Health Department is also forming an independent committee under the Health Services Commissioner to oversee patient search campaigns, treatment protocols, and rehabilitation programs.

Currently, Maharashtra has 2,764 beds available in 12 voluntary hospitals and 1,825 approved beds in 11 rehabilitation institutions catering to leprosy patients. However, existing subsidies for these facilities, at ₹2,200 and ₹2,000 per bed per month respectively, are considered inadequate. Minister Abitkar revealed that the Public Health Department has proposed a significant increase in the subsidy to ₹6,000 per bed, a proposal that is currently awaiting approval from the State Cabinet.

The Minister emphasized a three-pronged strategy for leprosy eradication: detection, treatment, and rehabilitation. He highlighted the critical role of Asha workers, school health check-ups, and other frontline health workers in early detection efforts. By improving detection rates and ensuring prompt treatment, the state aims to significantly reduce the prevalence of leprosy and improve the lives of those affected.

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