The Surprising Role of Blind Women in India’s Health Care System

The article presents the work of Medical Tactile Examiners (MTEs), visually impaired women who assist in detecting early signs of breast cancer in women through tactile breast examinations. These MTEs, such as Ayesha Banu and Noorunnisa, use their heightened sense of touch to detect abnormalities in the breast that may indicate cancer. The article highlights the importance of early detection in breast cancer, particularly in India where a significant number of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to lower survival rates.

The concept of MTEs originated from German gynecologist Dr. Frank Hoffmann, who recognized the potential of visually impaired individuals' highly trained sense of touch. He collaborated with the NGO Berufsförderungswerk to design a nine-month training course for blind and visually impaired individuals, creating a social enterprise called Discovering Hands. This initiative has trained nearly 100 MTEs in countries like Germany, Colombia, Mexico, Nepal, Switzerland, Austria, and India.

In India, the training program was introduced in 2017 through the nonprofit National Association of the Blind India Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies, supported by Bayer. The training covers breast anatomy, physiology, cancers, palpation techniques, as well as English communication and computer skills. The MTEs conduct tactile breast examinations by dividing the breast into zones using Braille-marked documentation tapes and palpating for abnormalities. The findings are then sent to physicians for diagnosis.

Despite the success of the program, there are challenges to expanding the profession. Some medical facilities are hesitant to employ MTEs due to concerns about their disability and logistical issues. Additionally, the cost of training and limited resources have hindered the training of more MTEs. However, physicians working with MTEs hope that further studies and increased recognition of their success rates will encourage hospitals and screening programs to adopt their services.

The article concludes by highlighting the fulfillment experienced by MTEs like Ayesha Banu, who find satisfaction in helping others and receive respect from their clients for their important work in breast cancer detection.