On May 12, we held another meeting with the management of Tadjuddin Chaled Hospital in Makassar, formerly the Daya Leprosy Hospital, to finalise an MoU aimed at guaranteeing continued access and treatment for people affected by leprosy, and—through collaboration with PerMaTa South Sulawesi–YDTI—further improving these services. Although the hospital has long ceased to be a specialized leprosy hospital and now functions as a general hospital, leprosy patients still receive special attention and enjoy easier access in many areas. There is also still a dedicated ward for leprosy, which on the one hand contradicts the principle of equal treatment and inclusion, but on the other hand is often preferred by patients, as they feel comfortable there, support one another, and can openly share experiences.
A key component of the MoU is the establishment of a transit room that patients can use if they are not yet, or no longer, registered as inpatients. In such cases, PerMaTa–YDTI is prepared to cover food costs. We thank RSTC and look forward to continued good cooperation.