As part of my orientation before taking over from Sandra Boone as Superintendent of INF’s Green Pastures Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Pokhara, I have enjoyed meeting the heads of each department and their staff.
Recently I met Bal Ram Bhandari, the Outpatient Officer. Like many of the senior staff, Bal Ram has worked at Green Pastures for many years – 33 years in his case. When I visited him he was examining a 50-year-old man called Mr Gurung, who had walked for two days from his village in Gorkha District for help with problems with his hands and an ulcer on his foot.
Bal Ram is reputed to be able to diagnose a case of leprosy from a distance of 100 metres, but in this case the diagnosis was clear. Mr Gurung had leprosy and had probably suffered without treatment for many years. His left hand was badly damaged with fingers missing and his right hand was beginning to show signs of paralysis. He had lost feeling in his feet but fortunately his eyes were unaffected.
Mr Gurung lives alone and has had little education. He farms a small plot far from the main roads. Millions of Nepali people live in similar settings. We celebrated the statistical ‘elimination’ of leprosy in Nepal several months ago, when it dipped below one case for every 10,000 people. However, the battle against leprosy is most certainly not over and there are probably many Mr Gurungs with advanced untreated leprosy who are still to be found.
Mr Gurung has been admitted to Green Pastures and his prognosis is good. He will have his wounds dressed, be provided with special footwear and given regular counselling so that he understands his condition and how he can prevent further disability. He will be prepared to deal with the stigma that he will face from society with confidence and self-esteem.
Written by Paul Roche.
Green Pastures Hospital Superintendent
INF Kaski Programme
