When was the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) launched?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) was launched in 1983.
This was a strategic change from the earlier National Leprosy Control Programme (NLCP) of 1955, prompted by the introduction and effectiveness of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
The objective shifted from 'control' to 'eradication' of leprosy as a public health problem in India.

Option B: This year does not correspond to any major milestone in the NLEP timeline.
Option C: This was the year the World Bank-assisted Phase-I of the NLEP was initiated to expand services, not the year the program was originally launched.
Option D: This year marks the period when leprosy services were integrated into the General Health Care (GHC) system, not the program's launch.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Launch year of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of national health programs like NLEP is crucial for community health nurses to appreciate the evolution of public health strategies and their role within them.
Knowledge of these programs helps in community assessment, health education, and tracking the progress of disease elimination efforts.
What if? If a nurse encounters a new case of leprosy today, they must report it under the integrated system (General Health Services) and ensure the patient starts MDT, demonstrating the continued relevance of the program's goals.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question about a major national health program in India.
Identify the key term: 'National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)' and the action 'launched'.
Recall the history of public health programs in India, specifically those related to communicable diseases.
Differentiate between the 'control' program (NLCP, 1955) and the 'eradication' program (NLEP). The shift to 'eradication' is a key event.
Evaluate the given years against major milestones. 1983 is the year the NLCP was converted to NLEP due to the advent of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
Eliminate other years by associating them with different events: 1993 with World Bank aid and 2002 with integration into general health services.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Launch year of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)
Stem keywords: National Leprosy Eradication Programme, NLEP, launched
Lead-in keywords: When
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 195-197

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 82-84

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.