BLP NEWS

• The entry of Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) into its 34th year of glorious service was marked by the recognition of its academic achievements by the most prestigious scientific body in India which is exclusively devoted to the cause of scientific advancements in leprosy.
• At the 27th Biennial Conference of the Indian Association of Leprologists (IAL) held in New Delhi on 2-4 October 2009, BLP made several notable contributions through invited lectures and proffered papers.
• IAL released its first Text Book on Leprosy in which three chapters were written by the staff of BLP.
• IAL honored Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus BLP by decorating him with “Life Time Achievement Award”. Dr RK Srivatsava, Director General Health Services, Govt of India gave away the Award with a Citation (attached) and a Memento (see below). Dr VM Katoch, Director General ICMR and Secretary Health Research Govt of India, Dr Ben Naafs, Leprosy Expert from Netherlands and the luminaries and leprologists applauded BLP for its achievement.
• Dr Ganapati and / or Dr VV Pai are also scheduled to participate in the International Leprosy Conference in Kazhikstan this month and are also expected to take a leading part in the Dermatology Conferences in Bombay, Ahmedabad and Lucknow in the coming months.

• These engagements indeed symbolize the Crowning Glory of the tireless, unparalleled and almost superhuman efforts put in by a very small group of workers and doctors for over 3 decades under able leadership.

P.S : It was an irony that the 33rd Anniversary of such an internationally recognized NGO with such unquestionable scientific credibility was also marked by the highly disturbing news that the German Leprosy Relief Association (GLRA) which has been offering financial support to BLP all these years announced an abrupt withdrawal of funds with effect from 31st December 2009. There is a lurking fear that the institution may no more be able to function with the same degree of enthusiasm.

It is hoped that all those well-wishers and donors will come to the rescue of BLP to maintain its high standards of research as well as humanitarian activities as usual.

___________________________________________________

“The rich in India must worry more about the poorest, the underdogs……I am not suggesting a sea change (for the rich)…from being Henry Ford to becoming Mahatma Gandhi…But every Indian citizen needs to be more concerned about the poorest and the most deprived sections of our society”.
---Nobel Laureate Amarthya Sen

___________________________________________________

CITATION

Indian Association of leprologists
Life time Achievement Award
To
Padmashree Dr RamasWamy Ganapati

The Indian Association of Leprologists takes great pleasure to honor Padmashree Dr. Ramaswamy Ganapati of Mumbai with Life Time Achievement Award for his untiring research work for the cause of suffering humanity affected by leprosy. Dr Ganapati is one of the most active leprologists of mother India who had dedicated his whole life towards the community socio medical care service for the leprosy sufferers.

Presently Dr Ganapati is the Director Emeritus of Bombay Leprosy Project and the Chairman of Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh, Maharashtra Branch. Vice President of Society for the Eradication of Leprosy (SEL). Acworth Leprosy Hospital Society for Research, Rehabilitation and Education in Leprosy. (ALH RRE Society),

He was the President of Indian Association of Leprologists from 1987-89 (earlier Vice President and Hony. Secretary), Maharashtra State Branch of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists, (earlier Vice President and Treasurer), Chairman of Rehabilitation Committee, Maharashtra, Vice President of Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of the Handicapped, Western Zone. Consultant of Technical Support Team of German Leprosy Relief Association (GLRA) to assist NLEP in Gujrat.

He was the Member of WHO Expert Advisory panel on Leprosy., Governing Body of Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for Physically Handicapped (VRC)., National Leprosy Eradication Commission., Gavai Committee of Govt. of Maharashtra.

He was the Consultant Leprologist (WHO/Govt. of India): from 1986 to 1991, Special assignment (G.O.I./W.H.O) as Chairman & Member Independent Evaluation Team (IET) in 10 states (1991 to 1997).

Dr Ganapati Contributed over 200 article in various National and International Journals as well as Chapter in 12 Books. He published book: named “Leprosy a Glimpse at the Changing Scenario” in 1996.

Ramaswamy Participated in several State level National and International Conference, Workshops & Seminar, International Leprosy Congress; Mexico (1978); New Delhi (1984); The Hague (1988); Orlando (1993); Beijing (1998); Salvador, Brazil (2002), Hyderabad (2007). He had visited 26 Countries on Official assignments.

Dr Ganapati was decorated with Padmashri in 1983 by Govt. of India, Jalma Trust Fund Oration Award (ICMR) in 1987, ND Diwan Memorial Award (NASEOH)- (1989-90), Fr. Maschio Humanitarian Award in 1983, Indian Leprosy Foundation Award for Excellence in 1984, Award for Excellence by the Govt. of Maharashtra and IAL Maharashtra in 1997, Award for Outstanding Community Service by Rotary Club, Bombay 2002.

This august gathering of Indian Association of Leprologists along with the assembly of medical fraternity of this Capital City of Indian wishes Ramaswamy a CENTURIAN LIFE in all his future endeavours.

City Leprosy Project completes 33 Years of Service

At a simple but significant function, Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) observed its Foundation day on 11-9-2009. It is on this day that the founder members met and formed the concept of Bombay Leprosy Project.

Dr R Ganapati, the Founder Director BLP and currently serving as the Director Emeritus mentioned that the institution was established with other leading members like Dr Wardekar and Dr P Kapoor and a few other stalwarts in leprosy as members of the committee. The object was to undertake field work on a massive scale to implement cost effective ways of controlling leprosy. . Documentation of several operational research studies published by BLP led to its recognition in the national and international circles. BLP is looked upon as a model to be emulated in similar situations.

Dr V V Pai Director BLP, while congratulating and thanking all the staff members for their contribution recalled the huge efforts in this journey of thirty three years despite several constraints, odds and difficulties. He mentioned that through collaborative efforts and integrated approach, the services to leprosy patients need to be further improved and continued. BLP’s collaboration with K J Somaiya Medical College has benefited in reaching specialized services to leprosy patients and is a model of collaborative activity.

Dr (Mrs) Rohini Shetye, Asst Professor, Dept of Ophthalmology, KJ Somaiya Medical College, the Chief Guest appreciated the leprosy relief work of BLP despite several challenges and encouraged that it should continue to reach many more leprosy patients.

Dr S Khanolkar, Asst Director BLP proposed the vote of thanks.
Medical Officers, Staff of BLP, Interns and leprosy patients formed the audience.

BLP News

Academic Meeting on

WHO Document on “Enhanced Strategy for Further reducing the Disease Burden 2011-2015”

To deliberate upon the new policies of WHO Enhanced strategy for further reducing the disease burden 2011-2015, an academic meeting was organized on Monday, 31-8-09
at the Main Referral Centre of Bombay Leprosy Project.

What are the new strategies? How are they different from the earlier ones? How services to patients can be further improved were some of the issues discussed at the meeting.

Dr Ankur an Intern from K J Somaiya Medical College initially highlighted the salient aspects of the policies related to epidemiological situation, improving the quality of services to patients, equity, social justice and human rights, drug resistance surveillance, chemoprophylaxis of leprosy and research priorities.

Dr Jeetendra another Intern from K J Somaiya Medical College related the statistics and the trends of leprosy indicators as published in the WHO Weekly epidemiological report 2009.

Dr R Ganapati Director Emeritus, BLP mentioned that WHO has rightly stressed again on the importance of the main indicators for monitoring progress such as the rate of new cases detected and the rate of new cases with grade 2 disabilities per 100,000 population. it is not clear as to how identification of early neuritis and reactions as well as prevention of progression of grade 1 to grade2 can be put in practice in an integrated set-up. The disease burden contributed by patients developing new disability either during MDT or after completion of MDT is important. This calls for operational research.

Dr V V Pai Director BLP, pointed out that it is significant that WHO has highlighted the data on global relapses and particularly with reference to India. The paramedical workers are also asked to report on the number of reactions and relapses in their routine reporting format and this will now help to get an idea of the magnitude of the problem.
Post graduate students from the city medical colleges, Interns, senior faculty members from the Dept of PSM of medical colleges and Medical Officers and Paramedical workers formed the audience.

Specialized Leprosy Services in BMC
Hospital started

Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) made a break through in integrating its specialized services into the municipal health delivery system. On Tuesday,11th August,2009, yet another “Extension Center” of BLP was started at the Shatabdi Hospital , Borivali to cater to the large number of patients from northern suburbs seeking expertise of staff with vast experience in leprosy.

Dr Vyas, Chief Medical Officer of the hospital , while inaugurating the center welcomed the partnership of BMC with NGOs like BLP and said that it will strengthen the integrated approach for health delivery which is the current policy of BMC.

Dr R Ganapati of BLP the veteran leprologist said that with the unmanageable number of patients thronging BLP’s main referral center in Chunabhatti, the Borivili clinic will provide the much needed relief. There is a dire need for such services to cater to the population in north Mumbai.

Dr VV Pai, Director, BLP and his dedicated colleagues who labored for long to establish this center thanked Dr Vyas for his progressive ideas in offering specialized services to the leprosy sufferers in the general OPD of his hospital.

Times of India, Bombay times news

With compliments

From

Dr R Ganapati

LEPROSY NGO OBESERVES WORLD DISABLED DAY

Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) has been practicing the concept of observing the World Disabled Day (WDD) and not only World Leprosy Day and Anti leprosy Week with the same enthusiasm as this is more relevant as leprosy is being integrated with general health services and rehabilitation services.

Rehabilitation of leprosy affected and physically challenged is a long time endeavour of BLP which has been undertaken in collaboration with allied agencies and philanthropists.

At a simple function on 3-12-08 at its Main Referral Centre, BLP observed the WDD by providing aids and appliances to the needy leprosy affected person and a young physically challenged boy.

Mr A P Deshpande, Hon Secretary, Marathi Vidnyan Parishad and Member of BLP distributed a sewing machine to a leprosy cured patient with deformity of the eyes staying in Dharavi slum and a wheel chair to a young boy with paralysis of all the limbs also a resident of Dharavi slum. He mentioned that such integrated approach practiced by BLP will go a long way in eliminating stigma in the society.

Dr V V Pai, Director BLP mentioned that under its rehabilitation programme besides engaging leprosy affected and physically challenged individuals in assisting the leprosy relief work, BLP has also been providing aids and appliances to physically challenged individuals to improve their quality of life.Mr S Hoval, Manager BLP thanked the gathering.

Bombay Leprosy Project celebrates Children’s Day

Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) working for the welfare of leprosy patients is supporting a Slum Children Literacy Class (SCLC) since October 2004 for the children affected by leprosy along with street children in an integrated manner.
SCLC is sponsored by SURDEEP an NGO from Japan with focus on child education.

Children’s day is a special day for the children. Children’s Day is observed on 14th November as the date marks the birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter and India’s first Prime Minister – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. As a tribute to Nehru and his love for children, Children’s Day is celebrated on his birth date. This day reminds to renew the commitment to the welfare of children and teach them to live by Nehru’s quality and dream.

To commemorate this day, 50 children from the class were given sweets in a small program organized in the SCLC at Acworth Municipal Hospital Complex where the class is functioning. School bags and stationeries were gifted by BLP to all the children. Dr (Ms) S M Bhat, Senior Medical Officer from Acworth Municipal Hospital for Leprosy distributed the gifts. Dr V.V. Pai, Director, BLP, Sister Seraphine of Monsoon and Sunshine class, Mrs Pai, Field Officer, BLP and Mr Subhash, Manager, BLP thanked the Acworth Municipal Hospital for Leprosy of Bombay Municipal Corporation for helping in the activity.

BLP News
Will Post-Graduates take interest In Leprosy?

Is neglecting the “Neglected Disease of Leprosy” the fault of the students? To seek an answer, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venerologists and Leprologists - Maharashtra Branch (IADVL-MB) in collaboration with Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) took a bold step and arranged an one-day Academic Session in Sion Medical College on 8th June’2008. To attract the students and create interest in leprosy, subjects like Lasers, Biologics, HIV Medicine etc. were deftly added.

A large number of medical students of Maharashtra enthusiastically listened to the subject of leprosy being succinctly explained by veteran leprologists like Dr R Ganapati, VV Dongre and VV Pai as well as stalwart dermatologists, such as Drs CM Dambre (President, IADVL MB) Uday Khopkar, S Tahliani, Kiran Godse etc. Recent advances in leprosy in the areas of diagnosis, pathogenesis, chemotherapy & complications were provided in learner-friendly “made easy” packages. Academic publications by BLP were distributed. A variety of leprosy patients were demonstrated.

The students gleefully participated in an exciting quiz session with attractive prizes. It was remarkable that tough questions on leprosy were answered with confidence.

The organizers were confident that “Yes, the post-graduates will take interest in the neglected topic of leprosy if the subject is taught in an attractive manner”.

BLP News

Bombay Leprosy Project

WORLD TB DAY OBSERVED BY BLP

On the occasion of World TB Day on 24th March 2008, Bombay Leprosy Project, organized awareness programmes in the community keeping in line with the WHO theme of “TB anywhere is TB everywhere”.

To support the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, BLP runs two DOTS Centre in collaboration with the Bombay Municipal Corporation in the slum community of G and H wards of Bombay.
In H ward, BLP runs a DOTS Centre in Behrampada, Bandra (East) since 2002, and in G ward, the DOTS Centre is functioning at V P Nagar under Jijamata Health Post, Worli, since 2004. The DOTS centres cater to patients in the local community to facilitate better treatment in the slum.

On the occasion of World TB Day, BLP held a health exhibition to promote awareness about the disease and distributed leaflets to educate the masses on the significance of early diagnosis and completion of treatment. The exhibition was well attended by the patients and their relatives and also the general community to take advantage of the occasion. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Shabbir, Hon Secretary, Behram Nagar Committee, Bandra at the Bandra DOTS Centre.

At the Worli DOTS Centre, an exhibition was arranged for the patients and slum community and leaflets on early identification and regular treatment of TB was distributed to the general public.

An Appeal to the Donors

· Cost of Leprosy treatment should not be that high
· Think before you donate

Dear Donors,

This refers to the comparison of claimed cost of leprosy service

I am glad that a research paper explaining the details of how the cost factors were worked out by us in Bombay Leprosy Project (BLP) was presented at the recently concluded International Leprosy Congress in Hyderabad.

The paper was appreciated by the experts who attended the Session from various countries at the Congress.

We have recruited over 1000 patients under Leprosy Patients Relief Fund and the follow up is in progress.

Dr R Ganapati, Director Emeritus, BLP

PS: This is a request to all donors to be highly conscious about the cost benefit ratio before offering funds for leprosy relief work.

Cost of treatment of one leprosy patient

Dear Sir / Madam,

Kindly refer to my earlier email sent to you in December, 2006 on the above subject.

The Leprosy Mission in their appeal for leprosy donation mention that they could “heal” only 10 patients, out of US $ 4566.00 they have raised recently.
You are aware of the “Leprosy Patients Relief Fund” of Bombay Leprosy Project. Please note that under this Scheme we would be able to mange about 268 patients with a donation of $ 4566.00, the cost per patient in our hands being just $ 17.00.
I would like to reiterate that this cost does not include expenses towards maintenance and establishment etc. Funds are used directly for services to patients and service- providers.
I urge donors to be cost-conscious when they give funds to Non Profit Organizations.

Dr R Ganapati,
Director Emeritus, Bombay Leprosy Project


_______________________________________________________
Leprosy Appeal Date: Tuesday, 8 January 2008
Well we have a final total for the Christmas Leprosy Appeal and I am completely amazed at the generosity of everyone. We had approximately 300 - 350 people donate money for a total of $4566. That means we raised enough money to heal 10 people from leprosy with a bit over and we averaged approximately $13 per donation.

Thank you again for taking part in this appeal we have done to support the Leprosy Mission and I look forward to next Christmas maybe doing it all again.

Pat Brittenden

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