Leprosy Patients Relief Fund,
Bombay Leprosy Project

Dear Donor,.
The enclosed excerpts from the appeal by Mr. Pat Brittendon of The Leprosy Mission (TLM) mentions that the cost “to heal one person from leprosy for ever” is US $ 432 This should be compared with the average cost of serving one patient in our experience in Bombay including hospitalization The cost works out to only $ 17..00
Even repeated follow-up for more than five years employing field staff under difficult conditions in urban slums and villages nearby should not cost more than US $ 25.00 per patient. Please note that in our calculation we exclude maintenance and establishment costs and the donors’ money is utilized exclusively for patient care and to meet the expenses towards service-providers.
Most donors want funds to reach the target group of patients directly. Hence our estimate, which is based upon research on cost management under conditions prevailing in Bombay appears to be far more reasonable and cost effective.
This is for your kind information
With thanks and regards,
Dr R Ganapati

____________________________________________________________

Pat Brittenden
This is an image of a 24 year old man with LeprosyWe live in an age of luxury, an age of 'wants' not 'needs' I am sure you are aware that there are people all over the world that live day-by-day in the polar opposite to how we live. I am asking you to help just one of those people.
According to the World Health Organisation there are currently around 220,000 registered cases if Leprosy in the world, if you include those who have been healed over the years, and those families ostracized by this disease, the estimate of those affected by it is over 3,000,000.
In 2007 it costs $432 to heal one person from Leprosy forever.I am asking you to donate whatever you can to help try to heal one person from this debilitating condition, to free them from it and help to give them their lives back. If you can afford $1, it will only take 432 of us to heal one person, if you can afford $10, it'll be much quicker.In this festive season, a season of giving, a season where we will spend hundreds on ourselves and those around us we love, how about some small change for someone we don't know to give them a new life.
If you are interested in helping the cause please send me a cheque, no cash, no credit card details, just cheques made out to Leprosy Mission of NZ (yes even for $1) to
Pat Brittenden
Newstalk ZB
Private Bag 92-198
Auckland
___________________________________________________________

I am absolutely stunned at the response to the Leprosy Mission appeal, originally we were looking to raise enough money to heal one person, in the space of four days we have nearly enough to help four people.I am humbled and a tad embarrassed that I didn't have the faith in people that has been demonstrated.
You guys rock!
Our current total is $1,683.25, but let's not stop there, let's keep pushing and 'do one more'
Pat Brittenden

Leprosy Patients Relief Fund (LPRF)

Dear Donor,

You will be pleased to know that under this special scheme 730 leprosy patients are receiving services, the cost of offering services to each patient being about Rs 650/- (US $ 17.00/- approx) on an average including hospitalization expenses).

As you are aware, we aim at a target of Rs. 10,00,000/- (US $ 26,200/- approx) in the first phase of LPRF.

I wish to reiterate that:-
1) The sole object of LPRF is to offer exclusively medical and physical care to leprosy patients and
incentives to service- providers and planners including charges towards hospitalization.
2) The institutional maintenance and establishment chargers are not derived from LPRF.
3) Under this campaign there has been a striking impact on the physical condition of patients.

I appeal to all well wishers to donate liberally to this unique fund so that we may be able to serve a very large number of patients who are still not brought under the scheme for want of funds.

Thanking you

Dr R Ganapati
Director Emeritus

PS :-
I. I have already made a personal commitment to donate Rs 1 lakh (nearly US $ 2,600/- approx) to BLP in
installments.
II. So far we have raised funds mostly from individuals in India and abroad and not from so many
institutions. You are free to donate in your individual capacity and sponsor as many patients you may
like.
III. Cheque to be drawn in favor of Bombay Leprosy Project Please specify that your donation is exclusively
towards LPRF

Findings so far
1. Astonishingly large numbers of leprosy patients with disabilities are found in the rural communities and tribal areas near Bombay (over 20 per 10,000).
2. Wherever LPRF campaigns are in progress, social ostracism of leprosy patients and stigma are declining.

• For these who celebrate Christmas, there cannot be a better way of remembering Lord Jesus Christ than donating for the welfare of leprosy patients.
• The compassion which Jesus showed towards the ostracized sufferers has inspired the whole world to serve this noble cause.

I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISMUS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

______________________________________________________

* The Project is registered under the Societies Registration Act. (1860); Maharashtra State; Reg. No. Bom. 345/1976 GBBSD and under the Bombay Public Trusts Act. 1950 Reg. No. F-4158 (Bom.) & FCRA (1976)
* Donations are exempted from Income-Tax under section 80G (1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961
Cheques / Demand Drafts may be drawn in favour of “BOMBAY LEPROSY PROJECT”
* Donors in USA can claim Tax Exemption under Section 501(C) 3, by routing the donation through
Partners in Sharing Associates, 506 West Country Club Lane, Wallingford, PA 19086 6509 Tel: (610) 627 0504 Email : shashi@gholkars.com / info@gholkars.com

Greetings from Bombay Leprosy Project
FOR
A VERY HAPPY DIWALI

Your resolve to help Bombay Leprosy Project by donating a small fraction of what you would spend for the DIWALI, will help us to serve several leprosy Patients.

______________________________________________

­Bombay Leprosy Project
VIDNYAN BHAVAN, 11 V.N. PURAV MARG, SION-CHUNABHATTI, MUMBAI 400 022, INDIA
Telephone: 091-22-2405 4608 / 2405 7040 Fax: 091-22-2405 6486

The Project is registered under the Societies Registration Act. (1860); Maharashtra State; Reg. No. Bom. 345/1976 GBBSD and under the Bombay Public Trusts Act. 1950 Reg. No. F-4158 (Bom.) & FCRA (1976) Donations are exempted from Income-Tax under section 80G (1) of the Income Tax, Act 1961 Cheques / Demand Drafts may be drawn in favour of “BOMBAY LEPROSY PROJECT”
Donors in USA who need full tax exemption under section 501C may contact
Partners in Sharing Associates (PISA), Tel No: (610) 627 0504E mail : shashi@gholkars.com / info@gholkars.com

BLP News

Dermatology Center inaugurated in Bombay Leprosy Project Premises

Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venerologists and Leprologists - Maharashtra Branch (IADVL – Maha Branch) opened its Clinic-cum-Office in the premises of the Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Centre of Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) at Prateeksha Nagar, Sion on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami, 21st October, 2007.

Senior Dermatologists and Officials of BLP who attended the function stressed that this joint venture symbolizes the principle of integration of the specialties of Dermatology and Leprology.

Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus, BLP observed that though the desirability of such a integration is widely talked about, there is not much of a practical evidence of functional collaboration between the two specialties. The example set by the progressive institutions of IADVL and BLP is indeed a landmark.

Dr Ashok Shah, President IADVL – MB pointed out the strong ties between the Association and BLP and assured of all help to promote such ties further in future and expressed his appreciation of Dr VV Pai, Director, BLP who was instrumental in bridging the institutions together.

Dr Kiran Godse, Hon Secretary IADVL – MB proposed vote of thanks and announced that the Centre will run a Free Skin Clinic on 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month.

NGO Observes 31st Anniversary

At a small but meaningful function to commemorate its 31st Anniversary, Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) renewed its commitment and dedicated efforts in the service of leprosy patients and the community.

Dr ARK Pillai, President, Indian Development Foundation, the Chief Guest complimented the staff for their spectacular contributions and dedicated efforts towards leprosy relief.

Earlier Dr VV Pai, Director BLP while welcoming the guests and the invitees reiterated that several challenges in leprosy relief and research are to be addressed. Although leprosy is declared “eliminated” this is by no means true. BLP has continued to contribute its services to innumerable patients despite several challenges and financial constraints.

Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus, BLP highlighted the popularity of the vibrant Referral Centre in catering to innumerable patients. He referred to the recently implemented “Leprosy Patients Relief Fund” (LPRF) using the donations exclusively for services to patients and those who plan and offer such services (the money not being utilized for institutional maintenance and establishment). Surveys using LPRF has revealed the abnormally high numbers of disabled leprosy patients lining in rural areas adjoining Bombay to whom human rights are denied.

Mr V R Kamath, Manager BLP while proposing the vote of thanks referred with pride to the opportunity he had in assisting BLP in its noble mission.

Medical officers, staff members, field volunteers, interns from medical colleges and guests from USA formed the audience.

Ms Gayathri Iyer and Ms Jilian who have come specially to photograph the activities of BLP spoke highly about the excellent cooperation offered by the staff in their assignment.

The President and the Managing Committee Members of
Bombay Leprosy Project

cordially invite you for its 31st Anniversary function
on 6th October 2007

to commemorate its unrelenting services to Leprosy Patients and to rededicate its efforts and strengthen its resolve and commitment to anti leprosy work on this occasion.


Time: 3.00 pm

Venue: BLP Hall on the Ground floor


Dr V V Pai
Director

____________________________________________________
Vidnyan Bhavan, 11, VN Purav Marg Sion Chunabhatti, Mumbai – 22
Tel: 022-2405 4608, 2405 7040 Email: blproject@vsnl.net

BLP News

BLP News 2007

Leprosy Campaign during Ganesh Festival

Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) was the first project to utilize the opportunity of Ganesh Festival, a popular festival in the city of Bombay for creating awareness on leprosy in the year 1983 by its own initiative.

BLP has been assisting the Govt and even this year utilized this opportunity in its area for creating awareness by distributing pamphlets, poster exhibitions etc on leprosy.

On this occasion a Health Camp was organized in collaboration with the Jai Ganesh Mandal at Rahul Nagar Slum, Chunabhatti near the main Referral Centre on 21st Sept 2007. The health camp focused mainly on Eye check up and screening the community for suspects of leprosy and skin diseases. Screening for eye diseases was organized at the extension clinic of the Referral centre. Paramedical staff and Volunteers from BLP were involved in IEC activities. Posters on leprosy were displayed at the Mandal. Group talk on leprosy was also given by Non Medical Supervisors and field staff of BLP to the general public. A total of 70 patients benefited from the camp. Besides this, awareness programmes were also conducted in the project areas of BLP.

This awareness programme evoked tremendous response from the community, the leaders in the slums and the public at large.

Leprosy Patients Relief Fund

Dr R Ganapati.
Director Emeritus : Bombay Leprosy Project.
(Formerly)
Director / President : Bombay Leprosy Project.
Chairman : Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, Maharashtra Branch.
Vice President : Society for the Eradication of Leprosy.
Acworth Leprosy Hospital Society for Research
Rehabilitation and Education in Leprosy
Member : WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Leprosy (1991-2000)
_____________________________________________________________

DO YOU WANT US TO REACH SERVICES TO LEPR0SY PATIENTS DIRECTLY THROUGH YOUR DONATION?

Bombay Leprosy Project has implemented a totally Novel and Unique Scheme called

“LEPROSY PATIENTS RELIEF FUND”

Funds are not used for institutional maintenance or to meet administrative overhead expenses like rentals, vehicles, computers, stationery, electricity, telephone charges etc.
Money is entirely used for medical treatment, disability care, hospitalization, rehabilitation of a few selected patients plus incentives for those who provide services directly or indirectly
Our target of “pooled” funds in the 1st phase is US $ 25,000 (about Rs 10 lakhs).
Since May ‘07 more than 200 patients in slums and rural areas have received services. We fall far too short of the target set for the 1st phase, considering our access to innumerable patients to be brought under the new scheme.
For donors genuinely concerned about the human rights of leprosy patients, this is a golden opportunity.
Patients need your support. Please help us to help them

I have already made a personal commitment to donate Rs 1 lakh (nearly US $ 2,500.00) to BLP in installments.


Dr R Ganapati

PS: Cheque to be drawn in favor of Bombay Leprosy Project The amount will be utilized towards the specific purpose as mentioned above in consultation with the Director, BLP. ___________________________________________________________
*The Project is registered under the Societies Registration Act. (1860); Maharashtra State; Reg. No. Bom. 345/1976 GBBSD and under the Bombay Public Trusts Act. 1950 Reg. No. F-4158 (Bom.) & FCRA (1976)
*Donations are exempted from Income-Tax under section 80G (1) of the Income Tax Act, 1961
Cheques / Demand Drafts may be drawn in favour of “BOMBAY LEPROSY PROJECT”
* Donors in USA can claim Tax Exemption under Section 501(C) 3, by routing the donation through Partners in Sharing Associates, 506 West Country Club Lane, Wallingford, PA 19086 6509 Tel: (610) 627 0504
Email: shashi@gholkars.com / info@gholkars.com

NGO Observes Foundation Day

At a simple but significant function Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) observed its Foundation Day on 11th September 2007 to commemorate the birth of the concept of the Project 31 years back. The day assumes importance as it was on this day when its Founder member Dr R Ganapati and other like minded members decided to implement this concept.

Ms Y Nishimura, from Surdeep an NGO in Japan along with her team who were the Guests at the function lauded the efforts of BLP for the collaborative initiatives in taking pains for the Project’s success. She assured of continued support particularly towards education of street children. Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus, recalled the dedicated efforts by the founder members and all the staff of BLP for their contributions in sustaining the activities of the project despite manpower and financial constraints.

Dr V V Pai, Director highlighted how collaborative ventures between BLP and the people and well wishers in Japan have been instrumental in not only understanding of the disease but to serve the patients at large.

On this occasion community volunteers were felicitated with cash incentives for their excellence in leprosy work.

Medical Officers, Senior supervisory and administrative staff, field staff participated in the function.

Community Volunteer Mr Patro receives cash incentive from Ms Nishimura
Ms Nishimura being felicitated by Ms Parul Negi of BLP

BLP News August 2007

BLP NEWS - 2007

Seminar on “Complications in Leprosy”

Bombay Leprosy Project, in collaboration with Ghatkopar-Chembur Dermatology Club, organized an academic meeting on 19th Aug 2007, to discuss the Pathogenesis of Leprosy and Reactions in Leprosy.

Dr W S Bhatki, a senior Leprologist, delivered a lecture on the subject as the clinicians face mainly problems of diagnosis and management of complications.

Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus of BLP, who chaired the session, stressed the importance of keeping the suspected cases under observation in case of doubt. He emphasized on the significance of adequate and optimum duration of steroid to be administered to prevent nerve function impairment. He said that in BLP’s Referral Center nearly 350 patients with Reaction and Neuritis were treated over the last 2 ½ years.

Dr Pai highlighted that a drug like Thalidomide, has benefited 120 patients with recurrent Type II reaction, referred to BLP over a period of two years.
Dr Ganapati said that 30,480 capsules were used; the cost of drugs alone would have been Rs 12,19,200/-. The amount was raised from donations or the drugs received as gift. He also requested the dermatologists to refer patients for free treatment with thalidomide to the Referral Centre of Bombay Leprosy Project, provided there is an indication.

Dr N G Nagpur, Prof and Head, Dept of Dermatology, KJSMC who earlier introduced Dr Ganapati to the audience enquired about the difficulties in managing patients with recurrences of reactions on tapering of steroids.

Senior practicing Dermatologists, Dermatologists attached to the medical colleges, experts from the field of Leprosy, Public health specialists and Post Graduate students from the city medical colleges, actively participated in the Seminar.

Academic publications from BLP were distributed to the PG students and all members who attended.

BLP News May 2007

BLP News March 2007

Bombay Leprosy Project

Bombay Leprosy Project in its pursuit to reach quality services under its Care and Prevention of disability programme to leprosy patients organized a small community programme in collaboration with Lions Club of Oyster on 15-3-07 at Juhu.

Service Clubs like Lions Club with their deep sense of commitment to the deprived sections of the society came forward to provide aids and appliances to needy leprosy patients with disability. Bombay Leprosy Project has been trying to strengthen the referral services to several patients thronging its Referral Centre and the satellite clinics, referred by practicing clinicians, medical colleges and other units for expertise and management

In continuance with its endeavor to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from disability due to leprosy and its consequences, BLP in partnership with Lions Club provided Micro Cellular Rubber (MCR) footwear to needy leprosy patients. 15 leprosy patients were the beneficiaries.

The MCR footwear distribution was inaugurated by Governor Mr Pankaj Mehta and their associates Mrs Sita Rathi and Mrs Tusar Mehta and they distributed the foot wear to patients from BLP. Sponsors were from Gunjan Club.


Mrs Parul Negi, Resource Mobilisation Officer, BLP proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of BLP.
BLP is thankful to Lion’s Club of Oyster, Juhu, for its kind contribution towards this humanitarian cause. Such help from partners will go a long way in improving the life of those benefited by the programme.

Festive Greetings

Bombay Leprosy Project wishes every one a Happy Raksha Bandhan. May the sacred relationship of brothers and sisters strengthen for better humanity.

BLP family wishes everyone a happy time.

Dr. V.V.Pai
Director
Bombay Leprosy Project

http://www.bombayleprosy.org/