Patronato de Leprosos del Paraguay Report
The Patronato de Leprosos is a council that ministers to those affected by leprosy that have no access to medical attention. Started in 1931 by a Disciple, Reverend Malcolm L. Norment, the Patronato served patients that were practically abandoned at the doors of local hospitals and clinics. The Patronato secured a railroad freight car and rehabilitated it for leprosy patients who needed to go to Sapucay, Paraguari, from where they traveled by horse to the place that would become their colony, or safe haven. Reverend Norment and leper specialist, Dr. John Hay, worked tirelessly to build the different buildings and residences with foreign and local funding, completing all sleeping quarters, social areas, a kitchen, and a laundry room.
Patronato de Leprosos del Paraguay
Calle Colón Nº 824
Asunción, Paraguay
The Patronato de Leprosos is a council that ministers to those affected by leprosy that have no access to medical attention. Started in 1931 by a Disciple, Reverend Malcolm L. Norment, the Patronato served patients that were practically abandoned at the doors of local hospitals and clinics. The Patronato secured a railroad freight car and rehabilitated it for leprosy patients who needed to go to Sapucay, Paraguari, from where they traveled by horse to the place that would become their colony, or safe haven. Reverend Norment and leper specialist, Dr. John Hay, worked tirelessly to build the different buildings and residences with foreign and local funding, completing all sleeping quarters, social areas, a kitchen, and a laundry room.
Reverend Norment remained in Paraguay until 1947. Continuing under the leadership of J. Raymond Mills, the Patronato began using DDS to treat leprosy. The colony was turned over to the Ministry of Health of Paraguay and Mr. Mills went to Asunción to establish the first mobile clinic for lepers in South America. In the 60s and 70s improved medication brought forth a cure for leprosy, bringing the closing of leper colonies and the lifting of quarantines that kept lepers from their families. With healing, education, and a return to their families, leprosy became an illness that is treated on an outpatient basis and no longer carries the stigma it once had.
The Patronato maintains its clinics offering medical consultations, clinical analysis, biopsies, pharmacy services and family support groups, and is treating patients. However, it’s staff has been reduced to five employees and it is a struggle to maintain them. The Patronato is faced with important decisions regarding its future.
The Patronato expresses its gratitude to Global Ministries and all who have supported this project throughout its 75 years of service.
Translated and edited by: Office of Resource Development
Global Ministries
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Tel: (317) 713-2555
Fax: (317) 635-4323
Email:
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