APAL’s President, Maya Ranavare, recently met with the District Leprosy Officer of Sangli to address a pressing issue faced by persons affected by leprosy in the region. The discussion centred on the challenges these individuals encounter when attempting to obtain disability certificates from the government. Despite their eligibility, many struggle with bureaucratic hurdles and delays, making it difficult for them to access the benefits and support they are entitled to Maya Ranavare emphasized the need for a streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly process to ensure that all eligible individuals can obtain their certificates without unnecessary complications. She proposed that the government should implement a more systematic approach, possibly involving better coordination between medical professionals, government offices, and community organizations, to ensure that these certificates are issued promptly and fairly.

 The District Leprosy Officer acknowledged the concerns and expressed a willingness to work towards simplifying the process, recognizing the importance of empowering persons affected by leprosy through easier access to their rights.

Maya Ranavare also presented the District Leprosy Officer of Sangli with APAL’s annual report book for 2023-2024. This report provides a comprehensive overview of APAL’s efforts and achievements over the past year, highlighting the organization’s dedication to improving the lives of persons affected by leprosy. By sharing this report, Maya aimed to further inform and engage the District Leprosy Officer in APAL’s ongoing initiatives, fostering greater collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by the leprosy-affected community.