Leprosy in Kolyma Okrug of Yakutia (A historical review)

The article is dedicated to the history of leprosy control in Kolyma Okrug of Yakutia from the end of the 18th century to the first half of the 20th century. Based on summarizing and comparing the archive sources, the contribution of medical workers and religious authorities in the fight against this dangerous disease is shown, the living conditions of leprosy patients are described, attention is paid to the organization of the leprosarium in Kolyma Okrug, which then existed until 1955. Considering the geographical position of Kolyma and the absence of any information about leprosy in other places in Siberia before the 18th century, an assumption was made that this disease could not have reached Yakutia from the European part of Russia, but could have been carried from East Asia. Due to the remoteness and low population density of Kolyma Okrug, as well as a lack of doctors and the absence of a consensus among physicians regarding the diagnosis until the middle of the 19th century, the first few attempts to establish a leprosarium in North-East Yakutia were unsuccessful, although the problem was discussed at the highest level with the participation of leading experts. The local authorities banished the ill from society, and they spent the rest of their lives without proper care, treatment, and often in complete solitude. The care of the ill consisted only of delivering food and fuel to their homes monthly. Thus the cause of the high leprosy mortality was not because of the disease itself, but also of accidents, suicides, physical exhaustion, etc. The role of health workers in this period was minimal, with the dispersed accommodation of patients causing additional difficulties for both doctors and patients. It became comparatively easier to facilitate the work of medical men and patients in 1904 when a leprosarium was opened not far from Srednekolymsk thanks to the donations of the Russian eparchy. Doctor S.I. Mitskevich, who was not only one of the initiators of the idea but also a person who brought the problems of the Kolyma leprosy far beyond Yakutia's borders, played a significant role in this work. But, unfortunately, the quality of the buildings was poor due to the fault of the main contractor, and soon many buildings for the ill deteriorated. Later on, due to the military and political disturbances in the country, the problems of leprosy patients were pushed to the sidelines. Positive changes began to be seen only in the 1930s, following the publication of a report by the Yakutsk Health Department. The YaSSR government turned its attention back to the Kolyma village, and funds were allocated to improve the facilities and conditions of the leprosarium and increase its personnel.

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