Under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), a paucibacillary (PB) leprosy patient who misses a dose can complete treatment within a maximum duration of:
- A 6 months
- B 9 months ✓
- C 12 months
- D 18 months
Correct answer: B. 9 months
Explanation
Under NLEP (using WHO/MDT regimen), PB leprosy requires 6 supervised doses. These doses must be completed within a maximum period of 9 months to account for irregularity. For multibacillary (MB) leprosy requiring 12 doses, the maximum permissible duration is 18 months. A patient is declared 'released from treatment' after completing the required number of doses within the allowed timeframe.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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