Sparsh, a joint initiative of Tata Steel Rural Development Society and Lepra Society, has treated close to 8,000 leprosy patients. The referral centre was established to provide specialised healthcare services.

From its inception, Tata Steel’s vision aims to provide health services and improve the quality of lives. The Sparsh project is aimed at providing dedicated services to patients suffering from Leprosy, which is also regarded as a social stigma.

In the current project period, about 7,993 cases catered at the OPD (outside patient department) unit for counselling and treatment, out of which 3,034 were female cases, and 37 patients were referred to higher institutions for reconstructive surgery. Of these, the surgery was conducted on 21 patients, the company said in a statement.

Biren R Bhuta, Chief, Corporate Social Responsibility, Tata Steel, said: "Sprash, as an organisation, is focused on improving the lives of people who suffer from leprosy. Under this initiative, we are organising several awareness programmes for early case detection, regular treatment and to avoid discrimination in the community. The collaborative efforts of District Leprosy team, Tata Steel Rural Development Society and Lepra Society have helped in reaching out to thousands, and empower leprosy patients to lead a self-sustained life.''

Apart from advance treatment facilities, Sprash has distributed 1,837 pairs of protective footwear, and 9,226 pairs of Grade I footwear in Assam, Uttrakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. These unique multi-cellulose rubber footwear are not easily available across the country, and many states are eager to take the help of Sparsh in procuring these specialised footwear, the statement added.

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