Hendala hospital is a leprosy hospital that was established to house patients diagnosed with leprosy when treatment was not available. Most patients who are residents at Hendala are cured patients without a home to go back to. Currently, new patients who find it difficult to continue treatment are provided temporary care at the leprosy hospital. The hospital provides comprehensive care for patients with leprosy, including diagnostic, laboratory, and treatment services. The hospital also offers rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, special appliances, and special footwear to support patients with established nerve damage or disabilities. The hospital plays a vital role in providing care and support for patients with leprosy, and serves as a national referral center for patients with complications of leprosy. It provides relevant training for healthcare workers to ensure the provision of quality care for patients with leprosy.
Hendala hospital is one of the oldest leprosy hospitals in Asia and was established in 1708 by the Dutch rulers. It was equipped to provide facilities to over 1000 patients and was the major facility to provide care to patients with leprosy when effective treatment was not available. Currently, the number of inmates is around 30, and most are cured patients without a home to go back to who were admitted over 50 years ago when isolation of patients was the only method of disease control. The hospital now provides temporary care for a few patients who cannot complete MDT treatment due to economic and social problems, as well as for patients who need care for chronic wounds due to leprosy.