More than 35 years ago, persons with leprosy were sent to what was known as the Mahaica Leprosarium where they remained until they were either declared cured or died.

Today the hospital is a far cry from what it was when the Sisters of Mercy took over its operation 35 years ago. While in those days the patients lived in relative comfort and even had their own theatre, the few who remain there today appear to be the abandoned of this land. However, Permanent Secretary in the Human Services Ministry Trevor Thomas disputed this, saying it was far from the truth, as the ministry still provides for the patients and plans are in train to repair some of the hospital’s infrastructure this year.

Many of the buildings which were once in the compound are no more. According to one of the patients, they were stripped by persons in the area. In fact …..