GREMALTES [Greater Madras Leprosy Treatment and Education Scheme] worked in the field situation in Chennai city for over 9 years from April, 1971 in partnership with the Government with the objectives of creating awareness regarding Leprosy in the community, facilitating early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and rehabilitation assistance for the needy affected persons. The project started with Mr. William Gershon and later joined by his wife Sybille Gershon, had the support of the German Leprosy Relief Association, a secular International Voluntary Organization supporting Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control activities in around 40 countries through a network of over 300 projects. GREMALTES is registered under the Tamilnadu Societies Registration Act 1975.

HOSPITAL – (1980)

As the work progressed the need for a well equipped Hospital was experienced to tackle satisfactorily the complications arising out of the disease through Laboratory Investigations, Physiotherapy, Reconstructive Surgery and hospitalized care for needy patients. Thus came up the 75 bed Gremaltes Hospital with all necessary facilities and a team of qualified and committed professionals and supportive personnel. Thanks to the wisdom and vision of the Founders and Benefactors, Gremaltes facilities were sufficient to adapt to the changing scenario of drastically reduced leprosy prevalence; and rapid diversification into other feasible areas of health care.

TREATMENT & CARE FACILITIES

1971: LEPROSY : The Government was happy to find a partner in GREMALTES in their fight against leprosy in Chennai city. Gremaltes was actively involved in health education, early diagnosis, reconstructive surgeries, socio-economic rehabilitation of the displaced persons and training medical and paramedical personnel to work in various Centres across the State and beyond. More than 1309 reconstructive surgeries have been successfully performed by GREMALTES since inception; more than 43,706 protective MCR footwear, hundreds of other orthopedic aids and appliances like crutches, wheel chairs have been provided to the needy patients.

Integration and Diversification was a logical consequence and GREMALTES seized the opportunities as and when they evolved.

1981 : DERMATOLOGY: Started in 1981, over 120 clients on average avail benefits from the daily Out Patient Clinic. Over 441,989 persons have benefited since inception.

1992 : TUBERCULOSIS : 3880 persons have been detected and treated since started in 1992. The Corporation of Chennai has allocated 9 divisions in Zone V with a population of over 300,000 to GREMALTES for RNTCP (DOTS).

2000 : OPHTHALMOLOGY: Over 119,396 persons with eye impairments have benefited since started in 2000. 9,810 cataract surgeries with IOL have been performed. Thanks to our partner cbm for the excellent support with high quality equipment, accessories, consumables and personnel empowerment, this programme has become quite popular among the Chennaites.

2002 : DENTISTRY : Started in 2002 in a humble way with the gift of equipment by a generous Dental Surgeon, Dr. Albert Shieh, the facility is well patronized. GLRA and IDF have also contributed towards acquiring new equipment for the department. Around 18,938 persons have benefited since inception.

2003 : CBR PROGRAMME : Supported by cbm, the Programme was started in 2003 to help improve the quality of life of the physically challenged persons with appropriate medical/surgical interventions, socio- economic orientation by appropriate counselling and mentoring. 260 Clients are on the Programme.

2003 : JOINT TB / HIV PROGRAMME : Supported by GLRA, the Programme was started in 2003 to find out the HIV prevalence among the TB patients walking into the Gremaltes OPD and help them for appropriate management. 1,470 persons have so far benefited through this programme.

2004 : DIABETES & HYPERTENSION : An Out Patient Clinic has begun functioning from June 2004 and over 3,290 persons have benefited.

2004 : SEXUALLLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI): A Clinic for persons with Sexually Transmitted Infections has begun to function from July 2004 and over 294 persons have benefitted.

2007 : GENERAL HEALTH CLINIC : An Out Patient General Health Clinic has begun to function from 2007 and over 1,546 persons have benefitted.

Ancillary Facilities :

• Clinical Laboratory
  
• Optical Facility
  
• Physiotherapy
  
• Counselling
  
• X-ray & ECG
  
• Dental X-ray
  
• MCR Footwear Unit
  
• Pharmacy
  
• Phototherapy
  
• Derma Procedure Unit
  
• Speciality Training
  
• Self Care Group
  
• CBR Group

RECOGNITION

Recognised by the State and Central Governments, Gremaltes continues to be an effective partner in the NLEP (National Leprosy Eradication Programme) and RNTCP (Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme) in Chennai city.

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

• German Leprosy & TB Relief Association [GLRA]
  
• cbm
  
• Indian Development Foundation [IDF]
  
• The Government
  
• HelpAge India
  
• Acharya Shri Anand Rishiji Centenary Trust
  
• Friends & Well Wishers
  
  
  

VISION 2020

To be an INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE FACILITY providing high quality care at low cost to those affected by stigmatized diseases and those from the lower socio-economic strata of the community.

CONTRIBUTIONS

We are able to continue to provide free service to those affected by Leprosy and Tuberculosis with donations received from generous individuals and institutions, both in cash and kind. Our hope and strength lies in such support.

We thank them all for the interest they continue to evince in our activities and look forward to their lasting partnership in improving the health level of the weaker sections of our people.

We invite all to share a small part of their resources for the joy of the many marginalized people who seek our services. A thoughtful gesture could make a difference in their life. You are welcome to contribute in cash or kind.