Greater Tenali Leprosy Treatment Education Scheme - GRETNALTES

GRETNALTES established a Referral Hospital in 1984, offering in-patient and out-patient services for severe Leprosy complications across three districts. Recognized by the Central Leprosy Division, it provided 400,000 in-patient and 700,00 out-patient services, serving as the sole specialized Leprosy Hospital in the region. In 2007, they began a Reconstructive Surgeries Centre, performing 1008 surgeries. Their Disability Prevention and Education in Leprosy program focused on managing permanent deformities, supplying medical necessities, surgical corrections, and crucial footwear, benefitting those affected in Guntur, Khammam, and Rangareddy Districts.

GRETNALTES initiated a Treatment Unit in 2003 under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, reaching a population of 5,91,000 across 11 Primary Health Centres in Tenali Division. With seven Microscopic centres, it aims to enforce Directly Observed Treatment, provide microscopy services, raise public awareness about Tuberculosis, and foster community engagement in the programme.

GRETNALTES extends healthcare support to approximately 350,000 rural individuals across 20 villages, predominantly dependent on agricultural labour. With no health facilities available except for Government Primary Health Centres, the organisation focuses on addressing general health complications through outpatient services. Recognizing the neglected maternal and child care needs in these areas, where people often resort to expensive private hospitals, GRETNALTES aims to establish a Mother and Child Care Hospital within its premises to cater to this crucial healthcare gap.

In 2003, GRETNALTES established an Integrated Educational Institute in Morampudi, aiming to deliver quality education to various underprivileged groups including children from Leprosy Affected Families, impoverished rural children, orphans, those affected by HIV/AIDS, and those below the poverty line, along with neglected rural female children. Recognized by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the institute is authorized to offer education up to the twelfth standard.

GRETNALTES has a vision for several future initiatives, including establishing a Maternity Hospital as part of their Mother and Child care programme. Additionally, it plans to inaugurate a home catering to the healthcare needs of elderly individuals. The organisation also aims to provide moral support and advocate for the legal rights of Persons Affected with Leprosy residing in colonies. Furthermore, GRETNALTES aspires to elevate its Educational Institute to international standards while ensuring accessibility for Leprosy Affected Families. Simultaneously, it intends to launch various income-generating activities to bolster the organisation's sustainability.