McKean Rehabilitation Institute

Chiang Mai, Thailand

In 1998 McKean celebrates the 90th anniversary of commencement of ministry to leprosy sufferers and continues as a charity center providing help and hope for leprosy patients and disabled people also.

Founded in 1908 by a Presbyterian missionary Dr. James McKean, as the first asylum for leprosy sufferers in southeast Asia, this center developed over the years through various stages. From a leprosy colony it became a leprosy hospital and later a leprosy rehabilitation center. Now McKean is a general rehabilitation center integrating leprosy patients and people physically disabled from other causes in its therapy rooms, wards and rehabilitation projects, including the community-based projects outside the center.

McKean built a new rehabilitation center in 1993 - the first building constructed in this area to be user friendly for disabled people. Here we provide hospital based rehabilitation therapy including surgery, physical and occupational therapy, counseling, vocational training, aids to daily living, and socioeconomic assistance. After discharge from the wards, disabled people are encouraged to practice independent living in nearby cottages, using the skills learned during their hospital stay. They are also encouraged to be involved in the gardening and nursery projects and to learn income generation skills.

Through the community-based rehabilitation team, McKean is facilitating disabled people in their home areas to improve their situations physically, economically and socially. This team also continues to help people affected by leprosy to live healthily and productively in their own home areas.

At the north end of the property McKean provides Buraphaniwet Village for the elderly disabled people who have no homes or families. About 50 people live in small cottages. Another 50 who are blind, infirm and very disabled need total care in two hostels. Chaplains minister in each area of McKean and there are churches established in the hospital area and in Buraphaniwet village.

Work at McKean Hospital is assisted by PC(USA) Extra Commitment Opportunities (Acct.# 862251).