Q.
1 Long Answer (3+4+5 = 12 marks)
a) List out the objectives of national leprosy eradication programme -3
b) Enlist the eleventh five year plan goals. -4
c) Explain the roles and responsibilities of the nurse. -5
a) Objectives of National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) (3 marks)
Introduction:
Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium
leprae, mainly affecting the skin, peripheral nerves, and mucous membranes. India has
historically carried the largest burden of leprosy cases in the world. To control this, the
Government of India launched the National Leprosy Control Programme (1955), later
renamed as the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (1983) with the introduction of
Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
OBJECTIVES IN DETAIL:
1. Early case detection:
To identify new cases at the earliest through active search (house-to-house survey),
passive reporting, and school health programs. Early detection reduces the spread of
infection in the community.
2. Complete treatment with MDT:
To provide free, uninterrupted supply of MDT drugs to all diagnosed patients. Early
and complete treatment not only cures the disease but also prevents drug resistance
and transmission.
3. Prevention of disability and deformity (POD):
Prevent disability through timely treatment, physiotherapy, splints, reconstructive
surgeries, and patient self-care practices.
4. Integration with general health services:
To integrate leprosy care with PHCs, sub-centers, and general hospitals for
accessibility and stigma reduction.
5. Awareness and stigma reduction:
To create awareness through IEC campaigns and fight myths and misconceptions.
6. Rehabilitation and social reintegration:
To support vocational training, employment opportunities, and rehabilitation
measures for cured leprosy patients.
7. Eradication target:
To reduce prevalence to less than 1 case per 10,000 population at district level. India
declared elimination as a public health problem in 2005, but efforts continue.
Conclusion:
The NLEP has played a key role in reducing leprosy cases in India. With early detection,
MDT, disability prevention, and community participation, the programme is moving
toward total eradication.
b) Eleventh Five-Year Plan Goals (2007–2012) (4 marks)
Introduction:
India’s Five-Year Plans are central planning strategies for national development. The
Eleventh Plan (2007–2012) had the slogan “Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth”.
In health, the main focus was on universal access to health care, reduction of mortality
and morbidity, and improvement of nutrition, sanitation, and safe drinking water.
Detailed Health Goals:
1. Reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
Reduce IMR to 28 per 1,000 live births by 2012 through immunization, neonatal
care, and institutional deliveries.
2. Reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR):
Reduce MMR to 1 per 1,000 live births through Janani Suraksha Yojana, skilled
birth attendants, and emergency obstetric care.
3. Achieve Total Fertility Rate (TFR):
Achieve TFR of 2.1 with family planning services, contraceptive availability, and
reproductive health awareness.
4. Disease control:
Elimination of leprosy and kala-azar; reduction in mortality from TB, malaria,
HIV/AIDS; attention to emerging NCDs like diabetes and cancer.
5. Child nutrition:
Reduce malnutrition in children (0–3 years) by at least 50% via ICDS, mid-day
meals, and breastfeeding promotion.
6. Health financing:
Increase public health expenditure from 0.9% to 2–3% of GDP and strengthen
NRHM.
7. Safe drinking water and sanitation:
Provide clean water to all by 2009 and sanitation facilities in all villages by 2012.
8. Universal access:
Ensure free, quality services for poor and vulnerable groups, focusing on rural areas,
women, and children.
Conclusion:
The Eleventh Five-Year Plan emphasized reducing infant and maternal deaths,
controlling communicable diseases, addressing malnutrition, and expanding health
financing. It was a step toward achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
c) Roles and Responsibilities of the Nurse (5 marks)
Introduction:
Nursing is both a science and an art. Nurses are the largest group of health professionals,
working in hospitals, community health centers, schools, and homes. Their role is
multidimensional, covering patient care, education, counseling, management, and
research.
Detailed Roles and Responsibilities:
1. Care Provider Role:
Provide holistic care including physical, mental, and emotional support. Administer
medicines, monitor vital signs, maintain hygiene, and observe changes in patient
condition.
2. Educator Role:
Educate patients and families about diseases, treatment, diet, hygiene, and prevention.
Conduct health education sessions in hospitals and communities.
3. Counselor Role:
Help patients cope with fear, anxiety, or depression. Support families during terminal
illness, disability, or death. Guide patients in lifestyle modifications.
4. Advocate Role:
Protect patients’ rights, confidentiality, and dignity. Ensure patients understand their
treatment options and give informed consent.
5. Manager and Leader Role:
Supervise junior nurses, plan duty schedules, maintain records, ensure adequate
supplies, and coordinate with health team members.
6. Community Health Role:
Participate in immunization drives, family planning, maternal and child health
services, and follow-up home visits.
7. Research Role:
Participate in nursing and medical research, apply evidence-based practice, and help
in data collection and clinical trials.
8. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities:
Follow nursing ethics and conduct, maintain accurate documentation, ensure patient
safety, and avoid negligence.
Conclusion:
The nurse is not only a caregiver but also an educator, counselor, manager, researcher,
and advocate. By fulfilling these responsibilities, nurses ensure quality care, patient
safety, health promotion, and community well-being.