New Face for Leprosy 

Binoy Chasha is 44 years old and lives in Moulvibazar where he works in the tea garden. Over 2 years ago he developed an ulcer on his foot. He saw many doctors but no-one diagnosed his leprosy. His disease progressed rapidly and he was unable to walk and his feet were cold.

Ashit, a community resource officer saw his ulcer and brought him to the Lepra clinic at Heed. Binoy took antibiotics for 12 months, his feet improved a lot and he was able to walk again and resume work in the tea garden. He now feels much better. He remembers seeing the bone close to the ulcer. His wife was the wage earner then and his 5yr old daughter stayed at home.

He had no money when attending the clinic, his wife took a loan from a micro credit NGO. He had difficulty getting the steroid medicine that he needed to treat his leprosy complications. His wife showed that prescription to the garden authority hoping that they would help them to buy the medicine from outside as the hospital does not have it. But the authorities didn’t help them at all and also lost the prescription. Fortunately, they had photocopied that prescription and then got the medicine from the district civil surgeon office. The ulcer on his feet has healed and sensation in his feet has improved.

He has 2 daughters, the second daughter was born after his disease diagnosis. He thanks the health care people and his neighbours for their appreciation and help. However the tea garden authority did not support them. With his wife they worked hard and built their house. The most challenging part was being diagnosed with leprosy, and then take the treatment. They then faced a financial crisis. He carries and serves the drinking water to the workers. His wife does temporary work, plucking leaves and cleaning.

Image: Binoy at the Tea Gardens he works in, carrying water to and from tea pickers.