National Doctor's Day 2024 ‘’Healing Hands, Caring Hearts’’

National Doctor’s Day 2024, observed on July 1st, honours the invaluable contributions of doctors. The theme selected for 2024 is "Healing Hands, Caring Hearts," reflecting the compassion and dedication that doctors bring to their practice. The day was established by the Government of India in 1991, commemorating Dr. B.C Roy a physician by profession, former Chief Minister of West Bengal and a Bharat Ratna awardee for his pivotal role in founding the Indian Medical Association and the Medical Council of India. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role doctors play in our health sector, diagnosing illnesses, providing treatment, and saving lives, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. National Doctor’s Day is an opportunity to express gratitude for their selfless service and to acknowledge their vital contributions to public health and the well-being of communities across the nation.

“Voices of Empathy’’ podcast by GLRA India

Explore the vital intersection of mental health and Neglected Tropical Diseases in our latest episode of "Voices of Empathy" by GLRA India.

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Strengthen and Improve Quality Leprosy Care in 7 States - Project NIRAMAYA III

GLRA’s flagship initiative NIRAMAYA III (2024-26), fortifies leadership and partnerships with the National Leprosy Eradication Program at central and in states, with NGO hospitals and stakeholders in the fight against leprosy. The project continues its two previous phases from 2018 – 2023 (3 years each). The current phase extends operations across 11 locations in 7 states for supporting state leprosy programs in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, urban leprosy control program in Mumbai and Kolkata and secondary/tertiary hospital care in Salem (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Mumbai, Palghar in (Maharashtra) and Dallirajhara in (Chhattisgarh).

A 3-day (29th - 31st July) project initiation and MEAL workshop has been conducted in Mumbai focusing on the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, advocacy and networking. In Andra Pradesh, GLRA collaborated with LEPRA Society and organized a refresher training for Medical Officers at Machilipattanam on the National Strategic Plan (Leprosy) in addition to the launch of educational posters on maternal and child health for World Population Day 2024. Dr Srilekha Penna, ILEP India Coordinator, and ILEP-NLEP State Consultant, Dr Santi Priyadarshini attended the training. In West Bengal, in a joint meeting organized by GLRA and NLR, the state ILEP-NLEP implementation plan was discussed with the State Leprosy Officer where GLRA support in 22 health districts for NLEP strategies besides leprosy clinics in six medical colleges and government hospitals in Kolkata.

Empowers Healthcare Providers to Combat Domestic Violence, in Madhya Pradesh

At Pati block in Madhya Pradesh upfront in reducing domestic violence, by uniting 50 frontline health workers (Nurses and ASHA workers). The event was titled “Empowering Healthcare Providers to Combat Domestic Violence,” and aimed to enhance frontline caregivers' ability to identify and respond to domestic violence cases. The block medical officer emphasized the pivotal role of primary health centres as initial support for survivors. The workshop introduced a survivor-centred early action protocol for medical and psycho-social care and stressed the importance of referrals for further healthcare and legal aid. This initiative is a significant step toward a safer environment for domestic violence survivors.

Jaipur Hosts All India Convention on Leprosy Welfare

Jaipur, 18th July 2024- An all-India convention for the Welfare of Leprosy-Affected Persons, held at the Rajasthan International Centre, gathered prominent figures and stakeholders. Organized by Sarthak Manav Kushthashram (SMK) and Leben Ohne Lepra e.V., Germany, the event featured Chief Guest Shri Kalraj Mishra, the honourable Governor of Rajasthan and Former Governor of Uttar Pradesh Shri Ram Naik. Key addresses included Dr. Vijaya Laxmi Godara (State Leprosy Officer - Rajasthan); Mrs Maya Ranavare (President of APAL), and Dr Srilekha Penna, who highlighted GLRA India’s 58 years of leprosy care and the goal of zero transmission, disability, and stigma. The convention emphasized collaborative efforts and person-centred approaches for enhanced leprosy welfare.

Pilot Study on Blended Learning for Leprosy to Launch in Nigeria and India

On June 18-19, 2024, the Lift Leprosy Learning Initiative, under the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations, is supposed to launch a pilot study to assess blended learning methods through interactive online modules. Funded by the Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI), the study, named “CapaBle”, will be conducted in Nigeria and India. Dr. Srilekha Penna and Joydeepa Darlong, TLMTI visited Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to meet with the State Leprosy Officer, the Director of the Regional Leprosy Training and Research Institute, along with ILEP-NLEP consultant Sarwat Hussain Naqvi. They discussed research gaps in NLEP, focusing on post-RFT surveillance and future studies by ILEP India.

GLRA India and Artemis Hospitals Unite to Launch "It's a FIGHTbACK - Tuberculosis Elimination Programme 2024-25" Targeting Urban Slums in Gurugram District

GLRA India, with the support of Artemis Hospitals, initiative "It's a FIGHtbACK - Tuberculosis Elimination Programme 2024-25" to serve the urban slums of Gurugram district, Haryana focuses on promoting health, specifically targeting Tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases caused by poverty and unhygienic conditions among the vulnerable urban migrant slum populations. The primary objective is "TB Mukt" slums through early detection, timely treatment, and continuous monitoring. The initiative emphasizes TB awareness, active case detection, and the establishment of village-level TB Task Forces that create a sustainable and replicable model that supports the End TB efforts of the government.

Health Care for Truckers - Expand Operations, Salem District, Tamil Nadu

Apollo Tyres Foundation and GLRA India/ GLRA RF have been collaborating since 2021 and are functional through healthcare centres in 7 locations across 5 states. We are pleased to announce the successful inauguration of the 8th Health Care Centre at Sankari in Salem district, Tamil Nadu dedicated to the truck drivers and allied communities. The event was marked and insightful speeches by the Chief Medical Officer, of Sankari Government Hospital, by the leaders of the Turck Associations and on behalf of Apollo Tyres Limited. GLRA extended thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended and supported us in making this vision a reality.