Indian Bank Introduces Facial Recognition for Leprosy-Affected Customers

If leprosy is left untreated for long enough, it can have lasting effects on patients long after the disease has been cured. Many leprosy patients are left with disabilities or disfigurements.1 Their hands are often affected, with shortening of the fingers, and sometimes amputation of the fingers2 – meaning they are unable to provide fingerprints for official matters, something the rest of us take completely for granted. 

Now, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is taking steps to address this issue and make things more equitable for people affected by leprosy.3

Biometric verification is mandatory to access many beneficial banking services. IPPB has rolled out a facial recognition-based banking system, which uses iris scanning so leprosy patients (and other people unable to provide fingerprints) can easily access these services and make banking transactions.3

Meanwhile, bank employees equipped with 5G-enabled “Micro-ATM” devices are able to visit customers’ homes to provide mobile banking services. This is useful for those who have mobility issues and may struggle to get to the bank in person.3

Since the launch of the facial recognition initiative, around 300 new IPPB bank accounts have been opened with the Amravati division, and thousands more have been opened across India.3

“This is not just about banking”, says a senior official from IPPB Amravati. “It’s about restoring dignity and trust for those who were long excluded”.3

It’s always encouraging to see developments like this, led by compassion for people affected by leprosy and those with disabilities. We pray that this initiative will help empower many leprosy patients in India to have more control over their financial wellbeing.