SARTHAK MANAV KUSHTHASHRAM, GALTA

At the time when the modern Multi Drug Therapy had not been introduced for the treatment of leprosy patients, sulpher based medicine Depsone was being used for their treatment, and that resulted in much deterioration of their body parts, and formation of most painful ulcers in their feet, making their routine activities and especially power to work, almost dead. In conditions of such mental unbalance, social curse and bodily disability continuing, during the past few decades' leprosy patients in large number used to take shelter in Ashrams (Asylums). Similarly this situation has led to start this centre at Galta, Agra Road, Jaipur.

This is the first centre where SMK started its activities in 1986. Today this is one of the biggest centres of SMK where leprosy patients and leprosy cured people are successfully provided treatment and rehabilitation services. These people are having following facilities and services at this centre:-

• Accommodation
• Leprosy Treatment & Care
• General Health Care
• Employment Training
• Educational Support

Currently this centre has a total 75 people both male and female of 35 families as its inmates. Out of them 65 are leprosy affected people and 10 are healthy children of themselves. A well equipped dispensary has been set up here, which provide most effective treatment and care to leprosy patients by equally qualified and experienced doctors and paramedical staff. Here patients are regularly monitored for any re-occurrence of symptoms of the leprosy. Patients and their families are also educated to maintain the required hygienic conditions. Some of the cured patients voluntarily provide their services in this work of nursing and care of leprosy affected patients.

Employment based training programmes are given special emphasis here so as to make leprosy patients and cured people more confident and self-reliant regarding earning their livelihood. Weaving, Printing, Flour & Spices Grinding and Tailoring etc. are some of the trades in which they are provided training. After receiving the proper training they work together here for the in-house production of bed sheets, towels, napkins, surgical bandages, cloth etc. Some of them are also working outside to earn their livelihood along with the general population. With this they reintegrate with the main society.

Muckli House

Products made here are already being supplied to various hospitals, nursing homes and other consumers. Club NOMADES a French NGO has already initiated sales of these goods through weekly markets in southern France. These products are being sold by at different places through the exhibitions, sale and shops etc. Some of them are being also purchased by the visitors. Now we are receiving orders in advance for these items from different people and institutes etc.

Adequate arrangements have been made to provide formal education to the children here. For this purpose one teacher has been appointed from outside and one leprosy patient is supporting him in the educational activities. Apart from this, children of leprosy patients are also going outside to receive the higher education along with the children of main stream society in reputed schools and colleges. This gives them a sense of satisfaction and confidence.