Newsletter
October 2015
From the Chairman’s Desk
Role of RISDT in serving the persons affected by leprosy (PALs)
For the last 32 years and since its inception in 1983, RISDT has been serving the persons affected by leprosy (PALs). With support from FAIRMED-India, RISDT extends medical services to
the PALs from about 150 villages of East Godavari district through its Leprosy Control Unit. In
addition, patients from neighbouring districts too avail RISDT services. In the RISDT’s Referral
Leprosy Hospital, Kathipudi, PALs suffering from simple ulcer, complicated ulcer and reaction
receive treatment. They also receive treatment for general complaints like fever, diarrhea, etc. If
required, they undergo septic surgeries and amputations.
In the RISDT’s Leprosy Control Unit (LCU), Kathipudi the following services are imparted to
the PALs:
Temporary Hospitalization Ward (THW):
It is a 60-bedded ward, where 4,416 PALs with deformity are imparted
medical care as and when the need arises. The PALs are provided medical
treatment, food & hospital accommodation free of cost during the period
of their treatment.
Diagnostic Center :
Leprosy patients can undergo all types of clinical tests free of cost in the
RISDT Diagnostic Center.
Physiotherapy Unit :
The RISDT Physiotherapy Unit imparts exercises to leprosy patients. Physiotherapy helps (i) to protect and prevent further damage and deformity (ii) to improve and restore organic function of fingers, foot, forearms, etc. (iii) to improve appearance of hands, feet, face and eyes (iv) to increase and regain range of motion and (v) muscle re-education after tendon
transfer. A qualified Physiotherapist administers the Physiotherapeutic exercises to the leprosy patients.
Reconstructive surgeries:
Government of India has authorized RISDT to conduct Reconstructive Surgeries (RCS) in the year 2007, under the Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation (DPMR) program for PALs from East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna
and Visakhapatnam districts (Andhra Pradesh) and Karimnagar and Warangal districts (Telangana State). RISDT has conducted 1019 Reconstructive surgeries till the end of October
2015.
RISDT’s Efforts to improve the quality of life of PALs:
RISDT has been implementing several welfare schemes for the
rehabilitation of the PALs with support from FAIRMED. Some
of them are sanctioning grants for (i) rearing goats (ii) establishing petty shops for selling groceries, vegetables and other
essential items and (iii) for building houses. In addition, RISDT
has been successfully ensuring the accomplishment of the welfare schemes of the Government of Andhra Pradesh in favour
of the PALs and in collaboration with ADM&HO (A&L),
DM&HO and Revenue Department .
- N. Slesser Babu
Page 2
MAHATMA GANDHI’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY AT RISDT, KATHIPUDI - OCTOBER 2ND, 2015.
Mahatma Gandhi’s full name is Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on October 2nd , 1869 and died on January 30, 1948. He is famously known as Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma means “a Great Soul”. He is also known in India as the “Father of the
Nation”. He played a key role in the Indian Independence Movement. Empowered with
non-violence and peace as his weapons, he led India to Independence. He envisaged
social equality. He was against untouchability practiced by the people of higher castes
upon the people of lower castes in India. He advocated for benevolent measures in
favour of untouchables. His birth anniversary (termed as Gandhi Jayanthi) is celebrated on October 2nd, every year, as a national festival in India. On this day, tributes are
paid to Gandhi at commemorative ceremonies organized all over India.
In RISDT too, Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary was celebrated and his
contributions for the emancipation of the persons affected by leprosy (PALs) and in the
Indian Freedom struggle were recalled by several speakers on this occasion.
SUCCESS STORY OF MANDI VENKATA DURGA ANANTHA LAKSHMI
Mandi. Venkata Durga Anantha Lakshmi is 22 year old. She hails from a very poor family. Her father Mandi Yesu has been a “maker and
seller” of low-cost sweets. He moves around the neighbourhood villages selling the sweets in order to eke out livelihood for their family. Their
native village is A. Kothapalli. Her mother lends a helping hand to her father in his work, in addition to looking after their family. She has one
brother named Nageswara Mohan who is studying 9 th class.
Way back in 2003, when Lakshmi was studying 4 th standard, a Health Worker from RISDT, on a routine survey, noticed anaesthetic
patches on her right forearm. She was then 8 years old. The health worker brought his findings to the notice of the parents of Lakshmi, who
were taken aback with shock and grief having come to know that their daughter was affected with leprosy. They thought that the life of their
daughter was doomed. The health workers infused confidence in them and told them that leprosy is curable through Multi Drug Therapy
(MDT). The parents were further assured that Lakshmi wouldn’t sustain any physical deformities, due to early detection of leprosy in her.
The Health Workers registered her case in the RISDT’s Leprosy Control Unit. She was administered MDT for 6 months for Pauci-bacillary
leprosy. Early detection of leprosy and regular intake of MDT saved her from sustaining any sort of deformities. RISDT took special interest in
her and extended economic and educational support. Having come to know of
her leprosy affliction, the people in their village boycotted their family due to
stigmatism associated with leprosy. The health staff through IEC activities
dispelled the stigmatic thoughts from the minds of villagers. Their family drew
sympathy from the villagers as a result. With renewed selfconfidence, Anantha Lakshmi pursued her studies and successfully completed 10th standard and Intermediate course.
She discontinued her studies for 2 years due to domestic disruptions. She later joined the nursing course in August 2014.
Meanwhile her father was addicted to liquors and other immoral habits over the past several years. In due course, he contracted HIV/AIDS. In
the year 2012, he succumbed to the disease and died. Her mother became the bread winner for their family. Their family experienced untold
economic hardships. Overcoming her own grief, she instilled courage into the minds of her mother and brother. She continued her nursing
course against odds like grief and poverty. At this stage, RISDT stood by her, extending monetary and moral support.
When her mother had been falling sick repeatedly, she took her to a Government Hospital. Adding to her woes, the medical officer diagnosed
that her mother was affected with HIV/AIDS. She was dismayed. She was helpless. Hiding her consternation, she had been giving moral support to her mother and brother, while continuing her studies. She shall be completing her nursing course in July 2016. Soon after completion
of her Nursing course, RISDT contemplates to provide job placement to her in the Referral Hospital. The staff of RISDT proposes to take the
responsibility of seeking a suitable bridegroom for her and settling her marital life befittingly.
All the people in her village consider Lakshmi as a role model for her consistency, creativity and credibility.
O RGANISATION N AME
Referral Hospital (RISDT)
90-1-5/1, Swaraj Nagar,
Seetayammapeta,
Alcot Gardens,
Kathipudi 533 444
Rajahmundry 533 101,
Sankhavaram Mandal
AP, India
East Godavari District. AP, India
Phone: +91 883 242 5367
Phone: +91 8868 234 507
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.risdt.org