[iii) make serious efforts to integrate leprosy colonies with the society. All such
colonies
should
be
appropriately
re-named
to
prevent
their
identification/tagging with the disease.
(iv] endeavour that as far as possible all new leprosy patients are treated at their
respective homes without shifting them to leprosy colonies.
2.
Union and the State Governments should:
(i]
ensure that no public authority or Government discriminates against any
person suffering from the leprosy or his family members on the ground of
such ailment and no such person is deprived of any of human rights and shall
not be deprived of right to treatment and other health care facility.
(ii]
organise awareness programs by involving print and electronic media, grass
root level functionaries and civil society organisations to create awareness
among the public that leprosy is fully curable and a person suffering from the
leprosy no longer remains contagious after receipt of first dose of MDT and
may lead a normal married life, can have children, can take part in social
events and go to work or school/college as normal. Awareness program
should also highlight that persons affected by leprosy are not required to be
sent to any special clinic or hospital or sanatorium and should not be isolated
from the family members or the community. The same should be included in
school curriculum too.
(iii] amend 97 Laws providing for discrimination of leprosy affected persons in a
time bound manner to end discrimination of such persons. Details of the
discriminatory provisions of these laws is at Annexure-I to this advisory.
(iv] ensure confidentiality of medical and other records of persons affected by
leprosy and associated complications.
(v]
ensure that no person suffering from leprosy or any of his family members is
discriminated against and denied all or any of followings rights merely for
the reason that such person is suffering from the leprosy:
[a)
to access health care facilities for treatment of leprosy and associated
complications or any other disease or ailment.
[b)
to access and enjoy public goods and services including public transport
services.
[c]
to emplo3mient, both public and private.
[d]
to marry, form family and have children including through adoption or
assisted procreation (including donor insemination).
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