Leprosy patients recovered in Chanda model of Chandrapur, skilled for life
Under the Chandrapur Comprehensive Health Package Model sponsored by the Zilla Parishad there, The first batch of around 11 cured patients have not only been trained in different trades, In fact, kits have also been given to make sure that they start earning during their productive lifetime.
NAGPUR: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Chandrapur’s Assistant Director of Health Services (ADHSleporsy) and DHO have tied up with Mahrogi Seva Samiti of Anandwan to provide vocational training to the cured leprosy patients.
Under the Chandrapur Comprehensive Health Package Model sponsored by the Zilla Parishad there, The first batch of around 11 cured patients have not only been trained in different trades, In fact, kits have also been given to make sure that they start earning during their productive lifetime.
The 11 recovered patients had Grade I and Grade II deformities and required extensive treatment ranging from physiotherapy to reconstructive surgery for a period of approximately six months to a year. ADHS Dr. Sandeep Gedam said, “Such patients subsequently find it difficult to live independently due to the time lost in recovery.” So far, the authorities have mainly focused on RFT (Relief from Treatment).
Multibacillary (MB) patients – the infectious ones – require 12 months of treatment and possibacillary (PB) – the non-infectious stage – requires a 6-month course. Prevention and treatment of leprosy patients includes year-round detection, distribution of medicines and inclusion of reconstructive surgery. Chandrapur has recorded over 13,000 leprosy patients in the last 10 years.
Of them, 1,174 had grade I or II deformity but have completed their treatment in this financial year. “The 11 interns were among 67 grade II patients and required surgery. These 11 had some sort of deformity and were rehabilitated. Most of the 1,174 patients were found with only the typical leprosy patches. Only Grade II are on priority for this training,” Dr Sandip Gedam said.
They were in the age group of 22-28 and were also eligible for training. “The rest of the patients were either old or did not show interest. Six men took a course in electricians, two to run a business and two girls learned tailoring. A girl knew how to sew, Because of this he learned the work of DTP,” Dr Sandip Gedam said.
Dr Sandip Gedam and DHO Dr Rajkumar Gehlot approached Zilla Parishad CEO Vivek Johnson with a proposal to get about 11 recovered patients trained at Anandvan, a well-equipped centre. And Pallavi Amte, trustee of Anandvan and Dr. Vijay Pol, in-charge of Anandvan Hospital, also helped the patients a lot. And the District Panchayat also provided about ` 8 lakh. The government also gives an honorarium of about eight thousand rupees.
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