On the 5th of September 2024, the State Committee of APAL in Jharkhand, accompanied by Mr. Madhusudan Tiwari, conducted a visit to the Angarpathra Leprosy Colony and Tetulmari Leprosy Colony in Dhanbad. Mr. Tiwari actively engaged with the residents of Angarpathra Colony, holding discussions with them to comprehensively understand the challenges and issues they encounter daily. This visit served as a platform for the residents to articulate their concerns, predominantly centring around the socio-economic adversities and insufficiencies in the support structures within the colony. The significance of Mr. Tiwari’s visit lies in its demonstration of APAL’s continuing dedication to comprehending and redressing the specific requirements of leprosy-affected communities across Jharkhand.

Additionally, Mr. Tiwari made his inaugural visit to Tetulmari Leprosy Colony, where he uncovered several pressing issues encountered by the residents. In 2004-2005, 20 leprosy patients from Barambe Ranchi were relocated to Tetulmari. Subsequently, in 2008-2009, 22 houses were erected under the Indira Awas Yojana in Block – Baghmara, Tetulmari, and Dhanbad, and these were assigned to all the relocated patients, including two local leprosy patients. However, the current circumstances in the Tetulmari Leprosy Colony are dire. The residents rely entirely on a modest government pension of ₹1000 and a monthly ration of 5 kg in addition to a PH (Public Health) card. There are no other means of livelihood or supplementary support, leaving the community to exist solely on these limited provisions. The visit underscored the urgent requirement for augmented support and enhanced living conditions for the residents of Tetulmari, who persist in enduring severe hardships with nominal resources.