|
|
 |
  |
|
|
| |
|
Dr Frans Hemerijckx
 |
1902
Frans Hemerijckx was born
Frans Hemerijckx was born on 19 August 1902 in Ninove, to the west of Brussels in Belgium.
|
 |
|
1929
In Congo
Dr Hemerijckx specialised in tropical medicine. He went to the Congo in 1929, convinced that he would conquer leprosy.
|
|
 |
1940-1945
Ambulatory care
At that time, a new treatment had just been developed. This new technique enabled Dr Hemerijckx to modify his working methods accordingly, and to organise his own working rounds, caring for his patients. Leprosy patients were not to be confined anymore. From now on, they could take part in family life during the whole of their treatment.
|
|
|
1954
A royal invitation
In 1954, while taking a respite in Belgium, King Leopold the Third invited Frans to the palace. The Belgian Leprosy Centre had just opened its doors in India and they were looking for somebody specialised in leprosy. Frans packed his cases and left at once.
|
|
 |
1955
A clinic under the trees
With the cooperation of Dr Claire Vellut and nurses Simone Liégeois and Hélène Berg, Dr Hemerijckx set up a centre specialising in leprosy in Polambakkam, India. The personnel travelled from village to village and pitched their tents under the trees, caring for their patients on the spot, advising them on treatment and disease prevention.
|
|
|
1960
A pilot project
The "clinic under the trees" of Polambakkam became a pilot project. All over India, other people took similar initiatives.
|
|
|
1965
Medical adviser for the Damien Foundation
At 63 years of age, Frans returned to Belgium. He was thereupon appointed medical consultant with the Damien Foundation and helped the Foundation to progress. After that, he returned to the Congo and to India, where he took part in numerous congresses where he did not cease to plead the cause of fighting leprosy more efficiently.
|
|
|
1969
Frans Hemerijckx died
On 14 October 1969, Frans Hemerijckx died.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
