Care for People Affected by Leprosy in Kolkata, India
| Location: | Kolkata, Barasat & surrounding communities |
| Timeline: | Jan 2020 – Dec 2026 |
| Partner: | The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) |
Challenge
In the dense urban communities of Kolkata and the Sunderbans, thousands of people live with visible disabilities caused by leprosy. They face:
- Stigma and social rejection
- No access to specialized health services
- Little to no knowledge of their rights
For migrant communities living in extreme poverty, leprosy often goes untreated, causing painful complications and lifelong deformities.
Solution
Premananda Memorial Hospital is Kolkata’s only leprosy inpatient care centre. This program brings specialized medical care, surgical rehab, and disability support to people most excluded from the health system.
Outcomes
- Diagnosed and treated leprosy patients in impoverished communities
- Managed complex reactions and neuritis
- Performed surgical rehab and ulcer care
- Provided vision-restoring treatment for eye complications
- Formed peer groups to reduce stigma and advocate for rights
Why It Matters
Everyone deserves dignity and healing. This project brought care to those who were otherwise invisible—and taught communities how to recognize leprosy early and treat it without fear.
