A rehabilitation centre for patients with Hansen’s disease was Mother Anna Huberta’s dream. The patients in Borivali and elsewhere needed not only treatment but also preventive measures and systematic rehabilitation. This was not possible in the limited space in Borivali. It had to be somewhere a little away from the city, an open place with enough space for them to move about freely.

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After a long search, in 1985, a 60-acre plot of land in Velholi was acquired and registered with the financial support of well-wishers. On 25 November 1985 the foundation stone was laid for a hospital and rehabilitation centre.

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Initially the sisters resided at Naya Jivan till, in 1986, a small godown was transformed into a residence for them while other construction work was in progress.

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Meanwhile, the Government of Maharashtra assigned the taluka of Shahapur and its 10 villages to Mukhta Jivan Hospital for the eradication of leprosy. The S.E.T. Program (Survey, Education & Treatment) was carried out in the schools and villages in the control areas. Awareness on leprosy through talks and audio-visuals were conducted by doctors and sisters, and three clinics were run to provide health service to poor patients. As the number of new cases decreased, the outreach program was stopped in 2000, though patients continue to visit the hospital for treatment.

On 4 July 1998, the twenty-fifth death anniversary of Mother Anna Huberta, in keeping with the need of the hour, SHM launched a new project—a hospice for HIV+ orphans. The first three children were admitted on 5 February 1999. Initially there was apprehension about the disease, but with the blessings of God and the dedicated service of the sisters, the mission to care and educate the children took off. Later the mission was extended to HIV/AIDS affected women as well.

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Mukhta Jivan now has a full-fledged, well-equipped hospital and rehabilitation home for patients with Hansen’s disease. There is also a hostel for destitute girls and women, homes for senior citizens, and a home for HIV-afflicted women. A training centre for para-medicals was inaugurated in 2023, the fiftieth death anniversary year of Mother Anna Huberta.

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The SHM Novitiate was also relocated here on 4 July 2008

POSTAL ADDRESS

Mukhta Jivan, Vehloli, P.O.  Shahapur, Dt. Thane 421 601, Maharashtra