The residents of Anandvan are either visually impaired, hearing and speech impaired, orthopaedically challenged but mostly leprosy patients..
- Leprosy is the most misunderstood disease in the world! 95% of the world population has a natural immunity to leprosy. The remaining who find themselves prone to this disease in backward areas with lack of healthcare facilities and misconceptions about the disease. India has the highest cases of leprosy. Due to the social stigma, leprosy patients are treated like untouchables, disowned and outcasts: even after being treated and CURED!
*It is NOT contagious.
*It IS 100% curable.
*It DOESN'T cause deformities.
- At present there are 2000+ residents in Anandvan and 450 in Somnath. They are provided food, accommodation, healthcare, education and vocational training for free.
What really takes time is curing the leprosy of the mind of those who mistreat these humans.
If the current scenario continues,
The social rejection towards leprosy patients, the disbeliefs about leprosy and dependency of these people from all over India shall continue to fall on Anandvan. It's time we bear the responsibility too!
Until last year, government subsidy was only Rs. 15 per patient per day which has now been increased to Rs. 70. That is suppose to take care of their medicines, meals and living. What they get in Anandvan is much more valuable: love and respect.
More data coming soon!
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