BW Online Bureau
March 30, 2022
India accounts for more than half (almost 60 per cent) of new leprosy cases worldwide, despite being declared ‘leprosy-free’ in 2005. As part of The Leprosy Control Project helmed by Rotary Club of Delhi South (RCDS), Lepra UK (India branch), Assets Care and Reconstruction Enterprise and partner Rotary Clubs – Regency Next, New Delhi, Delhi South end, to support palliative care and rehabilitation of the leprosy patients, in the presence of Dr Ritu Chaudhary, PDG; Deepak Kapur, Chairman, Rotary Club Alliance for Leprosy Control and Anil Agarwal, President, Rotary Club of Delhi South, 100 tricycles and 30 four legged walkers were distributed and solar panels were installed at the Mother Teresa Home, Leprosy Colony, Tahirpur, Delhi.
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a lot of multi-dimensional challenges for leprosy patients. Their supply of medication was disrupted, many lost their livelihoods, they did not have access to food or medical care, making their living conditions worse than what it already was pre-covid for this most neglected section of our society. As a result, they did not receive timely treatment and their conditions deteriorated. The pandemic halted and to some extended unraveled a lot of the work done in controlling the disease.
“First and foremost, I want all patients and their families to know that the treatment of leprosy in India is completely free. Many times, patients leave their native areas and travel long distances for treatment. That is not needed. You can seek treatment at the nearest government hospital or dispensary free of cost,” Dr Ritu Chaudhary, State Leprosy Officer, Delhi said.
“Recently I have joined as state programmed officer Delhi and realised one major challenge which lies before us is the eradication of leprosy even though the number of cases declining. Low cases mean people become slightly complacent and this should not happen at any cost,” she added.
As a part of the Leprosy Control Program, Rotary Club of Delhi South along with its partners, installed solar panel support in two Leprosy colonies, saving families from expenditure on electricity bills. Additionally, 37 physiotherapy camps have been conducted in various Leprosy Colonies and palliative care, physiotherapy, self-aid kits, protective/special footwear (called MCR footwear, made of microcellular rubber) has been provided. 6 training camps and have been undertaken to facilitate capacity building. Several Information Education and Communication session across Delhi have been held all through the year.