- Regular medication for 12 months resulted in recovery, awareness and proper treatment gave a new lease of life.
- Hembati said – if there is any unusual stain or numbness on the skin, get it checked immediately.
With early detection and regular treatment, leprosy can be completely cured. Hembati, a resident of Chhaparbhanpuri village in the Tokapal development block of Bastar district, has proven this. With the guidance of the health department and regular treatment for 12 months, she has defeated leprosy. Her story demonstrates that with awareness and timely medical attention, even serious diseases can be successfully treated.
Some time ago, Hembati began to notice spots on her hands and neck that were different from her normal skin color. Initially, she didn’t notice any discomfort, so she didn’t pay much attention. Gradually, she began to experience numbness in the affected areas and tingling in the nerves of her hands and feet. As the symptoms worsened, she went to the Ayushman Health Temple in her village for a health check-up.
After a preliminary examination, the health worker and community health officer (CHO) at Ayushman Arogya Mandir suspected leprosy and referred her to the Community Health Center, Tokapal. Doctors there confirmed the diagnosis after conducting skin, nerve, and other necessary tests. The health workers provided Hembati with information about the disease and assured her that she would recover with regular treatment.
Hembati took the prescribed medication for 12 months, following medical advice, and continued to visit the health center for regular checkups. With the guidance of health workers and regular treatment, she successfully completed the full course of treatment. Now, she is healthy and living a normal life.
Hembati says she was initially worried when she learned about the disease, but health workers explained that leprosy is treatable and can be cured with regular medication. She expressed her gratitude to the health workers and the doctors and staff at Community Health Center Tokapal for their support and guidance during her treatment.
Hembati urged people not to ignore any symptoms such as unusual spots on the skin, numbness in the affected area, or tingling in the nerves. If such symptoms occur, they should be examined at the nearest health center. She said that it is important to seek timely medical advice rather than hiding the illness or delaying treatment.
According to the Health Department, leprosy is treated with multidrug therapy (MDT). Depending on the type of disease, treatment is typically prescribed for 6 or 12 months. Testing and treatment are available free of charge at government health institutions. Hembati’s success is an inspiring example of raising awareness about leprosy and dispelling social stigmas.