ST.JOSEPH LEPROSY REHABILITATION CENTRE THIMMARAJUPALEM, NIDADAVOLE MANDAL, WEST GODAVARI ANDHRA PRADESH STATE, SOUTH INDIA 534301 E-mail: stjosephlrc@yahoo.com The Lord is My Shepherd I shall not want... Staff of St.Joseph LRC: Psalm 23:1
Contents: 1. INTRODUCTION(HISTORY OF THE PROJECT) 2. VISION &MISSION 3. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT 4. PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT 5. NUNMBER OF SISTERS AND ANIMATORS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT 6. HEALTH REHABILITATION 7. EDUCATIONAL REHABILITATION 8. SOCIAL REHABILITATION 9. ACHIEVEMENTS 10. DAILY ACTIVITIES Introduction St.Joseph Leprosy rehabilitation Centre, which is situated in ThimmarajuPalem, Nidadavole, west Godavari Andhra Pradesh, South India. It was opened in the year 1978 by Fr. Jose Kaimalath and handed over to us, the sisters of the Holy Cross in the year 1985 to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to the persons affected with leprosy, having in mind their total integration to the main streams of the society. From that time to until now we have been actively rendering our services to the inmate s in order to have decent, peaceful and dignified life. Vision & mission Respect of human Rights of persons affected with leprosy. Recognizing the special value of all persons affected with leprosy Believing the social justice, dignity and equality of all peoples. Objectives: The main objective of this Centre is to cater care, support and rehabilitation to the leprosy affected members of the society.
Purpose of the project To share human dignity and self esteem among the leprosy patients, underprivileged and deprived persons of the society. To rehabilitate the inmates of SJLRC to the mainstream of the society with suitable job and income generating programs, to be independent. To educate the inmates children and job placement for self reliance. Care and support of the sick and disabled leprosy patients at the centre. To involve with the national leprosy control and eradication programme. To create awareness on leprosy, T.B, HIV/AIDS and other health related issues in the village communities and to the youth and children. NUMBER OF SISTERS AND ANIMATORS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT S. No Name Qualification Responsibility 1. Sr.Lizy Abraham GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) Director, Nurse, Counselor 2. Dr.Sr.Claudia MBBS,MS Doctor in Charge (Part time) 3. Sr.Divya GNM (General nursing & midwifery) Nurse, Counselor 4. Sr.Gracia M.A, D/C, Driver Office Staff 5. M. Daiva Deevena ANM Health Assistant
Rehabilitation: We are rehabilitating the inmates to restore their ability to live and work as normally as possible after a disabling illness. We also help them to achieve maximum possible physical and psychological fitness and regain the ability to be independent. Rehabilitation Education Rehabilitation Health Rehabilitation Social Rehabilitation
Education Rehabilitation: Education makes the people changes oneself and the society. We give all the opportunity to gain the knowledge to live in the society. Our patient children are studying in the schools and college in order learn more and stand by their legs. To improve life skills. Personality development Education Rehabilitation Behavioral and Attitudinal changes Vocational and Employment Guidance Sustainable lively hood Health Rehabilitation Health rehabilitation is a treatment designed to facilitate the processes of recovery from illness. We give awareness on protective measures to keep them healthy and preventive measures to control from the occurrence of diseases. First Aid Home remedies Health rehabilitation Personal and Environment Preventive masseurs of various sickness like Leprosy, Aids/HIV, T.B, etc. Empowerment on social related stigma. Dependent on self.
Socio Rehabilitation: We help patients to find their place in the family and in the community and become contributing members of the society. Social care services Socio Rehabilitation Social skill development Leisure time activities Finding Jobs Achievements St.Joseph leprosy rehabilitation centre is going to finish thirty seven years of service. When we look back about the life of patients, we have under gone so much difficulties & struggles in order to take care of the patients those who roamed about in the streets and under the bridges and in the bus stands etc. Now they are grown up in this fast growing age. They learned to fight for their rights, active in getting due opportunities, involving in Government related matters. Daily Activities: Attending daily mass prayer before work Roll call
Patients at pharmacy Campus Repairing Independence Day Dressing the wound Gardening Distributing thread for coat Raring the ducks putting Rangolly Diwali Celebration Primary Health Center Doctor Visit & distribution of Medicine Caring the Patient Collecting the Coconut Visit to Pilgrimage
Sharing the mangos Distribution of Christmas Dress Fruits Christmas Celebration Agricultural Farm Our Collaborators Sisters of the Holy cross Local contributions from the people (Any Kind) Painting the Hospital Home going - Veeramma
Statistics of the St. Joseph s Rehabilitation centre Statistics of the centre - 2015 Inmates Total No.of Leprosy patients Total No.of Leprosy patients and HIV Infected Total No.of leprosy from outside coming Total Out Come/Results: Good rapport with the villagers Stigmas and discrimination towards Leprosy lessened because of the home based care Confidence among patients increased Counseling and health education have improved their personality, personal Hygiene and health status. Patients experience the family atmosphere in the colony. The Centre Wish to Implement the Following Points: Give awareness program to the outside leprosy patients who are in the market place, railway station, bus stop & begging spots Provide medical care to outside patients when necessary Finding out the malnourished children in the villages and instruct the mothers to feed the children with nutrition food example. To feed the kid with protein powder, fruits, vegetables, Nuts, whole grains, beans etc.
Conclusions: Over the past 37 years this center and the inmates have been blessed with the generosity and help of many people and organizations very specially continued help from AIFO till today. Nearly 300patients joined the centre. During the course of time some left for other centers, Govt. colonies, few got alright and went home, to working places and some of them expired. The centre also went through its ups and downs, struggles and difficulties. Now most of the inmates are senior citizens and three children are studying in the schools and college. For the current year 2016 they are 19 inmates. Many of the inmates suffer from disabilities and old age related ailments. The centre also is in need of financial support for its maintenance. Hence with expectation we forward this brief notes be in partnership with the funding agencies. My impression: I have been working with the inmates since three years it is great joy for me to be with them and to give my love and care for them. It is mutual sharing of life. The way they live and move inspires me to continue my mission freely and selflessly. I sincerely thank you for support and encouragement. Director, Sr.Lizy Abraham