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| For centuries, the countryside had been ravaged by Hansen's Disease (leprosy). This horrific, disfiguring disease had caused great pain and crippled many villagers, rendering them unable to work and support their families. His Majesty deduced that the only way the disease could be tackled in a meaningful way was to set up the necessary infrastructure to deal with it. |
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To that end, in 1957 His Majesty established the Rajaprachasamasai Research Institute to assist in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and control of leprosy. It worked in conjunction with international health agencies to share information towards the potential elimination of this scourge.
Buoyed by its success, in 1962, His Majesty set up the Rajprachasamasai Foundation. The organisation serves as the research arm for the Institute and provides immediate aid for victims. Its education component trains 3l,000 doctors, nurses, medical students and public health officers each year. As an adjunct, a School for Lepers' Children was built in Phra Pradaeng, south of Bangkok. There, 225 children of lepers are provided with free education as well as free room and board.
As a result of His Majesty's efforts, leprosy has been virtually eliminated from the kingdom. |
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