Recovered leprosy patients skilled for life in Chanda model in Chandrapur

NAGPUR: In a first-of-its kind initiative, the assistant director of health services (ADHSleporsy) and district health office (DHO) from Chandrapur tied up with Anandwan’s Mahrogi Seva Samiti to provide vocational training to recovered leprosy patients.
Under the Chandrapur Comprehensive Health Package Model sponsored by the zilla parishad there, the first batch of 11 recovered patients were not just trained in different trades but were also given kits to ensure they start earning in their productive lifespan.
The 11 recovered patients had Grade I and Grade II deformities and required treatment from physiotherapy to reconstruction surgeries for a period ranging from six months to one year. “Such patients later find it difficult to live independently because of time lost in recovery,” said ADHS Dr Sandip Gedam. So far, the authorities have mainly focussed on RFT (relief from treatment).
Multibacillary (MB) patients — infectious ones — need 12-month treatment and paucibacillary (PB) — non-infectious stage — need 6-month course. The prevention and treatment of leprosy patients include round the year detection, distribution of medicines and lining up reconstruction surgeries. Chandrapur has recorded over 13,000 leprosy patients in the last 10 years.
Among them, 1,174 had Grade I or II deformity but completed their treatment this financial year. “The 11 trainees were among 67 Grade II patients and required surgeries. These 11 had some sort of deformity and were rehabilitated. A majority of the 1,174 patients were detected with only the typical leprosy patches. Only the Grade II are on priority for this training,” said Dr Gedam.
They were in the 22-28 age group and qualified for the training. “Rest of the patients were either old or didn’t show interest. Six men took electrician course, two went for wielding trade and two girls learned tailoring. One girl knew tailoring, so she acquired DTP job skills,” said Dr Gedam.
Dr Gedam and DHO Dr Rajkumar Gehlot approached ZP CEO Vivek Johnson with the proposal to train the 11 recovered patients at Anandwan, a well-equipped centre. Pallavi Amte, trustee at Anandwan, and Dr Vijay Pol, in-charge of Anandwan hospital, supported the patients. The ZP provided nearly `8lakh. The government also pays `8,000 honorarium.