New Face for Leprosy 

Binapani Chakrabarty is 82 years old. She has 2 sons and 3 daughters, married. Her husband died 4 years ago. About 25 years ago she found spots without sensation on her body, and after her younger son was born she developed numbness in her right hand and left foot. She didn’t understand the importance of these symptoms and continued her life and work. She developed blisters after cooking which became an ulcer on her hands. She was diagnosed with leprosy at the health complex 5 years ago and started antibiotics which she took for 12 months, and her ulcers cured. She lost fingers and toes before completing the course. The doctor told her to keep her hand and feet clean. She was instructed in self-care, but she does not do it. Now there are no ulcers on her feet and hand, sometimes small ulcers develop and cure quickly. She thinks that if her husband and sons were aware of her symptoms, she would not have had such severe disease. She asked them to take her to the doctor but they did not. She went to the doctor alone. She begs for money. Her neighbours allow her to stay in their house. She has few needs, eating once a day, and does not beg every day. Her sons and daughters have not taken care of her. Her grandson visits and pressurizes her emotionally for money. She loves them so tries to give them money. Her neighbours are taking care of her and are unexpectedly kind to her. She has known Mr Polu, the Lepra medical worker for 5 years and they meet 4 monthly and he supports her. She can read.

For her the biggest challenge was to accept her own children’s negligence. “Don't ignore those who are already in pain”.

Image: Binapani in the doorway of a neighbour who often cares for her