As part of a sustained effort to provide community-based rehabilitation services covering both medical and socio-economic support for LCDPs in Salem district, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem jointly with Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, initiated a long-term comprehensive rehabilitation initiative for LCDPs at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem on 23rd July 2024. This initiative was carried out under the guidance and support of Swami Yatatmanandaji Maharaj, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu, and the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Salem District.
The inaugural camp was attended by 59 LCDPs and their families from various localities across Salem district. The formal commencement of weekly Prevention of Deformity (POD) and ulcer treatment camps began on 16th August, 2024 in the presence of the Chief Guest Dr. V. Dharmalingam, Addl. Director of Medical & Rural Health Services (Leprosy), Chennai, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, and Special Guests Dr K. Sukanya, Deputy Director (Leprosy), Madurai, Dr. S. Soundammal, District Health Officer, Salem, Dr. N. Yoganand, District Health Officer, Attur, Dr. A. Mohan, City Health Officer, Salem Corporation, Dr. P. Radhika, Joint Director of Health Services, Salem. A new leprosy clinic was opened by Swami Yatatmanandaji Maharaj in the presence of guests and LCDP beneficiaries. During the camps, LCDPs are assessed on family background, occupation, and deformity or disability status. The camps are routinely conducted every Friday between 8.00 am to 12.30 pm, and so far, 52 POD camps have been completed, providing regular medical assistance and follow-up, benefitting 101 LCDPs in and around Salem.
LCDPs with ulcers received specialized treatment, including foot immersion in EUSOL solution, wound cleansing, and ulcer dressing with Amnion and Collagen-based products. Two LCDP volunteers from Salem were trained in ulcer dressing techniques by our Chennai Math volunteers and engaged to perform weekly dressing sessions at the Ashrama leprosy clinic with an honorarium. All LCDPs were provided with dressing materials, self-care kits, wound-healing medicines for home use, and enabling them to continue treatment and improve mobility. In addition to medical services, tea and travel allowances were provided to all participants. Swami Vedapāragānanda, In charge, Charitable Dispensary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Salem serves also In charge of the leprosy clinic.
Since its inception, this program has shown measurable success, with ulcers of 33 LCDPs completely healed in the past 12 months. In addition, monthly LCDPs are given Health Mix millet powder (Satthu Maavu) and are given to all LCDPs attending POD camps.
On 25th July 2025, to mark the completion of one year of service, Ashrama, jointly with Chennai Math, Anbu Ullangal Trust, Tamil Nadu NLEP Staff Association, and the District Leprosy Officer, Salem, organized an economic rehabilitation event. The program supported 67 LCDPs and their family members through the distribution of clothes, blankets, groceries, and other provisions. Shri. Melchior, an LCDP staff member, was also honoured for his dedicated service in dressing the ulcers of LCDPs every week, resulting in a commendable healing rate.
The Math and Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem acknowledge the donors, Kamadhenu Charitable Trust, Shri S.Karuppasami, Secretary, Anbu Ullangal, Sengottai as well as Shri P.Rajamanickam, President of Tamil Nadu Rtd NLEP Staff Association and Shri G. Subhash, Managing Committee Member & Coordinator Service Activities, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Salem for supporting the services.