GPH

Remember the scene from Diarios de motocicleta where young Ernesto "Che" Guevara chooses to treat patients with leprosy in an unorthodox way - as humans. A similar story can be told from Nepal. But to appreciate it you must understand what it means to be stigmatized.

A rural society is based on some ground rules. You're all more or less dependent on eachother. Weakest link easily weakens the whole surrounding. Add to that the caste system which states that people are unequal, no questions asked.

Leprosy is a communicable disease with a terrible echo. It was already mentioned in the Old Testament. Getting it pretty much meant sure but slow death. And because most people don't want that, the easiest way to prevent it is to get rid of the guy with leprosy. This is not purely an act of mean individuals it is also a survival method. So practically anyone carrying it are excluded from the society, forgotten and left on their own.

Nepal has a special place in my heart and any news from there is welcomed. Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara, Nepal, treats leprosy patients. Or as one of the staff members told me they serve the patients. These outcasts get cured not only physically but also to some extent spiritually as well. Questions of self respect, zest for life and meaning to it all are frequently faced inside those hospital walls.

The news I received were mainly positive. Hospital is up and running. The patient influx has increased and some renovation has been finished. Although there's much to do the original spirit is still there.

Green Pastures Hospital is run by INF. (The virtual tour is much cooled than my picks.)