Founded in 1956 in Omalur, Salem District. Serving individuals and families affected by leprosy with medical care, surgical reconstruction, and community inclusion.
The Leprosy Relief Rural Centre (LRRC), established in 1956 by the Diocese of Salem at R.C. Chettipatty, Omalur, is a charitable healthcare institution dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized. Having cared for over 22,000 persons affected by leprosy, LRRC provides specialized treatment, reconstructive surgery, ulcer care, disability prevention, rehabilitation, and other essential medical services.
Through rural outreach programmes and its rehabilitation home, the Centre promotes early detection, compassionate care, and social inclusion. Inspired by the healing ministry of Christ, LRRC continues its mission of restoring health, dignity, and hope to those in need.
நலமும் நம்பிக்கையும் – தொழுநோய் நிவாரண ஊரக மையத்தின் வரலாற்றுப் பயணக் குறிப்புகள்
In the early 1950s, Most Rev. V. S. Selvanather, Bishop of Salem, encountered leprosy patients during his pastoral visits. Deeply moved to respond, he founded LRRC in 1956.
Bishop Selvanather, Chairman of the Salem Diocese Society, invited Ms. Marie Denis, a French nurse, who started a clinic at R.C. Chettipatty under a thatched shed in 1956. A small dispensary was built, inaugurated by Mr. Manickavelu, Health Minister of Tamil Nadu, and blessed by Bishop Selvanather in 1958.
Dr. Elisabeth Vomstein arrived from Germany in January 1961 — a turning point for LRRC’s medical development. For 40 years she served as Secretary and Superintendent.
The first reconstructive surgery (drop foot) was performed by Dr. Ernest P. Fritschi, and the foundation stone for a 60-bed hospital was laid by Rev. J. R. Knox.
A new hospital was inaugurated with German support (Misereor, GLRA, Sternsinger). Facilities were expanded for surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The Orthopaedic Splint Workshop was inaugurated, serving leprosy- and polio-affected patients.
Surgical sessions, rehabilitation, footwear, weaving, poultry and agricultural support were all expanded.
German agencies supported the hospital for Leprosy Relief Service, in a lasting partnership with GLRA, Germany.
Till date, over 22,000 leprosy patients have been cured, and incidence reduced from 40/1,000 to below 1/10,000. LRRC is recognised as a DPMR institution for reconstructive surgery in 6 districts: Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri.
St. Joseph General Hospital started with Maternity, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology departments.
A Community Hall was constructed and a Dental Care Unit introduced.
Under the leadership of Most Rev. A. Rayappan, Bishop of Salem and Chairman of LRRC, the hospital was renovated, expanded with new infrastructure, and renamed St. Joseph Speciality Hospital.
Laminar Flow Operation Theatre constructed, blessed and inaugurated by Bishop A. Rayappan. Canteen facility for outpatients, an ENT Department and a 6-bed ICU block added. Approval for the St. Joseph Eye Care and Nursing Academy for rural students.
A new canteen facility was established for patients and visitors, along with a dedicated dining hall for hospital staff, ensuring greater comfort, convenience, and well-being.
The leaders and medical pioneers whose courage gave birth to this enduring sanctuary of care.
In the early 1950s, Most Rev. V. S. Selvanather encountered leprosy patients during his pastoral visits. Deeply moved to respond, he founded LRRC in 1956, and in 1958 blessed its first dispensary at R.C. Chettipatty.
Invited by Bishop Selvanather, Ms. Marie Denis, a French nurse, started a clinic at R.C. Chettipatty under a thatched shed in 1956 — the humble beginning of LRRC’s care.
The real growth of LRRC began with Dr. Elisabeth Vomstein, a German national who arrived at R.C. Chettipatty in January 1961. She dedicated her life to the care of the leprosy-affected, expanding the hospital with the support of the Bishops of Salem, donors, and the GLRA, Germany. For 40 years, she served as Secretary and Superintendent, shaping LRRC’s mission with vision and compassion.
Patients lovingly called her “Amma”, remembering her tender touch and motherly care. She dressed their wounds, restored their dignity, and became to them the face of Christ’s mercy. After returning to Germany, she spent her last years in an orphanage and passed away in 2017, blessed with 100 years of life.
Those who live for others never die — and she remains a shining example of that truth.
The Custodians of LRRC’s Mission, Stewardship and Governance
Bishop of Salem
Executive Director
Administration
The people who carry LRRC’s care from the hospital to the villages of Salem district.
Secretary and Director, leading LRRC and its institutions.
Treasurer and Administrative Officer, overseeing administration and accounts.
Supervises the day-to-day work of the leprosy project.
Coordinates the leprosy project’s programmes, camps and training.
The medical and nursing team of St. Joseph Speciality Hospital.
Meet our doctors →Community health workers carrying out surveys, case detection and follow-up in the villages.
Physiotherapy for disability prevention, surgery recovery and rehabilitation.
