LLSC is the busiest leprosy centre in Nepal, and is also believed to be the busiest in the world. It identified 24% of the total number of new cases in Nepal in 2007, and some 25-30% in 2008. LLSC sees leprosy-affected patients as well as local disabled or ill non-leprosy-affected people. Of the over 39,000 patients seen in 2007, 6,500-7,000 were leprosy-affected. In 2008, 1,200 new cases were detected. Leprosy patients are referred to their local health posts for treatment after diagnosis but attend LLSC for self-care training or for complications or reconstructive surgery.

Non-leprosy out-patients seen at LLSC contribute to their costs if they are able to do so. An increasing number of non-leprosy affected people are coming to the Centre due to its growing reputation for excellence, particularly in other skin diseases and disability. In 2007, there was a 4% increase in patients over 2006.

One family with two leprosy-affected members received a small loan through a self-help group. They bought 2 oxen. They have repaid nearly a quarter of the loan out of profits from improved harvests. They are on target to repay the remainder over several harvests. Other borrowers buy pigs or chickens to raise and sell.

In addition to direct beneficiaries, NLT indirectly helps other family and community members to understand leprosy and include both leprosy-affected and disabled people into society. Articles on the STEP approach have appeared in several international newspapers and journals. Volunteers have written about NLT for their specialist medical journals, attracting new volunteers. Podiatry students have published reports on their visits to LLSC. They have returned impressed by their experiences and the extent and impact of the therapeutic care of leprosy-affected patients. The STEP community work is being spread to further villages in the area.

The cost of treating and supporting the direct beneficiaries is very economical, even given that the leprosy MDT medications are provided free of charge.