Outcasts find marital bliss at leprosy hospital

Shunned by society and forced to live their lives in seclusion, patients at the Leprosy Hospital in Manghopir find rare moments of joy.

This isn't lot on the hospital administration, who have found a unique way to find companions for those interred at the hospital. They try to arrange marriages between patients with their consent.

Salim and Jannat are one such couple. Both have been patients at the hospital spanning decades and are not happily married.

Jannat told The Express Tribune that her life had improved drastically since her marriage to Salim, and she was happy with her decision.

"My family abandoned me. They did not want to accept me back fearing that they might catch leprosy," Jannat said. After marrying Salim, I have a semblance of normalcy, she continued. "I stay busy in chores and like spending time with Salim."

Salim came to the hospital 35 years ago. He said that there were times when he would go into depression and feel completely alone.

"Jannat had no family to take care of her so I thought that through our marriage we will get each other's support," he said.

He said that he had experienced hatred and disdain all his life. "But I want to forget the negative memories and spend what remains of my life in peace and enjoy the newfound happiness with Jannat."

An official at the hospital said that the bond of marriage gives new hope to patients. He added that married couples had taken up residence in the hospital and were given a monthly stipend of Rs7000 by the Karachi Municipal Corporation for expenses.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2023.