LEPERS IN INDIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21470, 19 April 1933, Page 8

LEPERS IN INDIA

WOBK IN COCHIN STATE SALVATION ARMY ACTIVITIES OFFICIAL FROM DOMINION The problems of caring for the lepers t)f India, and the methods employed in special hospitals maintained for sufferers from this disease, are outlined in a letter received from a New Zealander, Mr. V. J. Thomson, who is superintendent of the Cochin State Leper Asylum, Adoor, India, which is - controlled tfy the Salvation Army medical department. Mr. Thomson is the eldest son of Mr. J. A. Thomson, of Mount Eden, and was born in Auckland. Ho resigned from a position in the Magistrate's Court in 1921 to undertake missionary work in India. Several years ago the Cochin State Government approached the Salvation Army in South India to undertake the management of a leper colony which ifc was proposed to form at Koratty, Adoor. For many years there had been an asylum on an island, but the place was considered by no means ideal, although there was accommodation for over 100 lepers. At the new colony, there were constructed 10 blocks, each having accommodation for 20 men patients, and five similar blocks for women, with a hospital. On January 29, 1931, 120 patients were transferred .- from the island to their new home, not far from the South-western Ghats. The number of patients began to increase rapidly until there were over 300 in the colony, the total later being reduced to 2-10, on account of funds being short. Commissariat Officer The commissariat is controlled by a woman officer, who has the important task of seeing that the sufferers obtain the most nourishment possible. Although many of the patients are maimed, endeavours are made to afford exercise for all, while some of tho less serious cases do extra work, and earn one anna, a little more than a penny, for about five hours' labour. The sums earned, although small, allow the workers to make small purchases to supplement the fare provided by the institution. The patients are encouraged to cultivate hobbies, and quite a number keep pets. For the children there is a day school, including classes in English. The aim of the school is to enable any children who may be fit. to leave the colony to have some education and a chance to earn, a livelihood. Elder boys are given instruction in carpentry. A Panchayat, or self-government committee; has a say in the management of the institution, particularly as regards the conduct of patients. The cdmmittce also decides the holidays to be observed, and in this respect the position is peculiar. Many religions are represented, and a holiday for one faith becomes a general one for all patients. More Provision Required The leper problem in India is acute, and although there are a number of asylums and hospitals, many more are urgently required, Mr. Thomson states. Belief work, is beinc organised in the Salem district, Madras Presidency, where it has been estimated that there are at least 50,000 sufferers, although the census for 1931 showed only 1064 cases.' In one street alone, there were 200 lepers. Results would be much greater if sufferers went for treatment as soon as the symptoms became apparent, but fear of losing employment and being cut off from society is responsible for disastrous delay in many cases.