By offering basic, honest care and treatment, treating patients with respect and in a manner in tune with their culture and way of life and not giving up on patients, the clinic soon gained the trust and confidence of the community and more and more patients came.
This is open to all including tribals and non tribals. The facility is free for everyone. Those requiring more care are referred to referral hospitals at larger centers. Those requiring Transport and financial care to do so are helped on a case to case basis. The facility is very popular and sees over 6000 patients annually.
Those requiring further monitoring, nursing and care are referred to our In patient facility. In addition to nursing care, free food is provided to both patients as well as bystanders. On an average we treat about 3000 or more patients annually.
A team comprising of a Doctor, nurse and lab technician, visit remote villages 6 days per week to provide free medical care at home. This service is much appreciated by the elderly with chronic conditions and by mothers with young children. Approximately 40 patients are seen each day. It is funded by TNHSP.
Over the years ,our hard working leprosy team, consisting mainly of trained Tribal staff, has detected and successfully treated more than 600 cases of leprosy, mainly amongst Tribals. This has now dropped to about 6 new cases per year, but education and outreach programme continue in the places where there were large numbers of cases previously. Our lab is the only one run by an NGO recognised to do skin smear tests in the area.
We also provide technical support and training to Govt. health staff. This work is funded by DFIT. Under the Disability Prevention and Medical Rehabilitation scheme fund, ‘Care after Cure’ and Livelihood Enhancement Programme, DFIT provide goats or cows, house renovation and nutrition supplements for leprosy affected patients.
NWTWS is recognised under the Revised National TB Control Programme. ( RNTCP). This involves detection and treatment of cases as well as regular village education programmes. Community volunteers ensure the tablets are taken by Directly Observed Treatment (DOTS). Our lab is recognised as a designated microscopy centre by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Damien Foundation India Trust (DFIT) provides nutritious food supplement, for all cases in our area. Funded by TN govt, DFIT and International Union.
Covid also brought other challenges as people requiring medical help stopped coming to the hospital. It was decided to move the hospital to their doorstep.
A massive vaccination drive was undertaken, and it is to the credit of the team that they managed to vaccinate the entire population with both the doses. Innovative campaigns and motivation helped bring an otherwise vary population to come forward and get vaccinated
Food kits were distributed to the community. This would not have been possible with out the unflinching support of Azim Premji foundation and several well wishers and their generous donations.
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