The Leprosy Mission Hospital Naini

Being located on Station Road in Naini means there is always noise from the trains and the general chaos of people moving about. The hospital has been a fixture in this part of Naini for a while. It’s not a quiet place, especially during the day when the market is in full swing nearby. We mostly deal with people who are struggling with leprosy and its complications. It’s hard work, and the building itself is a bit old-fashioned with high ceilings and heavy doors. Our day starts early, often before the sun is fully up, to beat the heat. Patients arrive by bus or train, often looking quite tired from their journey. We have a small team here, and everyone knows each other's habits. We drink tea in the small breakroom when there’s a gap between patients. The medicine cabinets are always full, and there’s that specific smell of antiseptic that hangs in the air. We don't try to be anything we aren't. It’s just a place for treatment. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we have to wait a bit, but that’s just how it is in this area. We focus on the bandaging and the physical therapy, trying to help people get some mobility back. It isn't glamorous work, but it fills the day. We see a lot of recurring faces, and you get to know the stories of everyone who walks through the gates on Station Road.