St Joseph's Leprosy Hospital, an integral part of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions, completes 115 years of its service to the most downtrodden section of the society-the leprosy patients.

St Joseph's Leprosy Hospital started in the year 1890 by Father Augustus Muller,is one of the first Leprosy Hospitals in south india. The modern scientific treatment and the concept of Leprosy control was not existing during those day's when Leprosy was considered as the most dreaded one , without any specific treatment and was associated with social stigma and the patients were being ostracised from society. 
  
Father Muller himself used to take care of the patients in the begining and later the sisters of charity associated themselves with the good work of the institution and still continue to be an integral part in the running of the same .

1990 was the turning point in the history of St Joseph's Leprosy Hospital as it celebrated its centenary.The department which was hitherto known as a Leprosy Hospital started treading the educational and academic path.The Govt. of Karnataka gave permission to start post-graduation course in Dermetology, Venereology and Leprosy, affiliated to Mangalore University.

With the passage of time and the advent of more effective treatment in the form of "Multi Drug Therapy", Leprosy is coming under control.As a sequel, case load has dwindled and the impatient strength is on the decline.

The Hospital also conducts SET (Survey,Education and Treatment) projects in the villages and towns bordering Mangalore city.During these projects Leprosy is detected in the early stages and free medicine are dispensed for their cure.

Admissions :                         2008-2009                   2009-2010

                                                       176                             174  

Physiotherapy :

The full time Lepro-physiotherapist does routine physiotherapy procedures and exercises.

 The Department Staff are responsible for the socio-economic assessment and counseling of patients, guiding the patients to respective doctors/surgeons/counters.

Footwear Department :

M.C.R. footwear is provided usually free of cost or at a subsidized rate to the leprosy patients.  It is also provided for a nominal cost to patients referred by general and orthopedic surgeons. 

Ulcer Care : 

Most of the patients admitted are for ulcer care.  Besides this, 12 patients were admitted for general problems.  Patients from other states also have taken advantage of the facilities available in our Hospital.