El derecho a la ración de los enfermos de Hansen, una historia de exclusión y protección especial por parte del estado

Abstract

Hansen's disease, known as Leprosy, has been labeled "cursed" in many parts of the world; It was even believed that those who suffered from it would receive a well-deserved rest in heaven at the time of their death. This disease entered our country at the time of the discovery of America by the city of Cartagena and then spread throughout the national territory. In Colombia, the patients were initially located in the Lazareto of Cartagena and later in the municipalities of Agua de Dios in Cundinamarca and Contratación in Santander. The conditions, management, control of the disease, treatment and follow-up of the same, have been over the years, a matter of concern on the part of the governments of the moment; all, without exception, have approached the issue with responsibility and have given the sick the possibility of living in dignified conditions, both for themselves and for their families. However, it is inevitable to mention the unfortunate conditions in which leprosy patients have lived and specifically in regard to the treatment of the general population in what has to do with contempt, marginality and especially the expressed considerations of malignancy. by healthy people in various parts of the world and not only to the sick, but also to their families. All of the above led, inevitably, to consider locating them in places that are often separated from society, these places were later called lazaretos. Over the years, the regulations related to the disease and its management have been directed with this purpose, to benefit in the best way and to promote dignified living conditions for the sick. This regulation has been generous and the most important and preponderant characteristics of it are observed throughout this investigation. Finally, some benefits originated from jurisprudence generated by specific cases are mentioned and the current situation of the disease in the country is shown.