They also give health education to the people in those areas, with the intention of making them aware of their right to good health. Chitpur Chitpur clinic, operating from the banks of the Hooghly river under a temporary bamboo and tarpaulin structure, sees leprosy patients from Calcutta and surrounding areas. In addition to providing medicine Calcutta Rescue provides health education and support on a social, financial and nutritional basis. A pharmacist's assistant distributes medicines after assessment of the patients by the doctor. Anti-leprosy drugs are provided for either six months or three years, depending on what sort of leprosy the patient has.
Patients also present with other medical conditions, which are treated on site.
A trained physiotherapist comes on a regular basis to treat certain patients. Podiatry has a large role to play in Chitpur, as the majority of our patients have large neuropathic ulcers that need regular wound care treatment. A volunteer podiatrist works together with the two dressings staff. They discuss cases together and plan treatments accordingly. Many leprosy patients with foot wounds need special shoes, which they often get from Titagarh, the Missionaries of Charity leprosy hospital.