NEWS & EVENTS

On 5th December 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Telangana successfully organized a Free Mega Medical Camp with the generous support of Aashrayam Hand of Hope. The camp was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Anand Diwakar (Hopewala Doctor).

During the camp, 250 people received completely free medical services without any doctor consultation charges. Services included blood tests, BP and sugar check-ups, X-ray, ECG, eye examinations, and 60 patients received free spectacles. Medical Camp Team Leader Janga Jayaraju shared that the camp also offered free dental check-ups, X-rays, ECGs, and distribution of essential medicines.

A dedicated team of doctors and staff rendered their services:

Doctors: Abhishek, Nandini, Manojna, Sridhar

Aashrayam Paramedical Staff

Lab Technicians: Emmanuel

Pharmacy Team: Swami, Samuel, Sam

The event saw active participation from APAL Coordinator M. Ramesh, Kumar Velu, Colony President Samuel, Damini, Ch. Mallayya, and other community members.

On 5th December 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Stepping Stone Charitable Society, organized an important awareness program on leprosy in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The initiative aimed to educate the community about the facts related to leprosy and to support families affected by the disease who live outside the traditional leprosy colonies.

As part of the program, food grains were distributed to 25 families affected by leprosy, ensuring essential support to those who are often overlooked and living in vulnerable conditions. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely assistance and the humanitarian efforts of both organizations.

During the awareness session, Mr. Jitendran APAL’s State Coordinator in Maharashtra and other officials from the medical department provided detailed information about leprosy, its symptoms, consequences, and the availability of free and effective treatment. They strongly highlighted that leprosy is caused by a micro-bacterium and is not contagious, urging everyone to share this message widely to reduce fear, stigma, and misinformation in society.

On 1st December 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Haryana, along with the Gandhi Kusht Ashram in Rohtak, met the officer from the H.E.B. Department regarding the installation of butter-making equipment for persons affected by leprosy.

During the meeting, the officer assured the team that the work will begin in the first week of January 2026 and the butter-making unit will be started as planned.

Ashram President Ashok, Bejulal, and APAL Board Member P. Govindswami were also present during the visit.

On 17th November 2025, APAL’s State Committee in Delhi, along with the leaders of the leprosy colonies, met and submitted a memorandum to Hon’ble MLA Shri Veer Singh Dhingan ji. He kindly assured us that he would fulfill three important demands related to social welfare: Providing drinking water facilities, Construction of a community hall, and Increasing the pension for brothers and sisters affected by leprosy.

During this meeting, all our respected members were present, including:

Shri Pradhan Girdhari Lal, Up-Pradhan Gopinath, Shri Arjun Ram (Secretary), Up-Secretary Venudhar Sahu, Treasurer Smt. Maya,

Eklakh, Gopal, Mohd. Layak, Bipin, Dayaram, Yunus ji, P.T. Mani, and other members. Two members from Manav Seva Samiti also participated.

Apal India extends our sincere thanks to all the participants for their support and solidarity.

APAL, along with APAL’s State Committee Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Kusht Sanghatana, actively participated in a significant meeting held on 14th November with Dr. Kadambari, Managing Director and Commissioner at Arogya Bhavan, Mumbai. The delegation discussed key issues concerning the welfare and rights of persons affected by leprosy across Maharashtra. The meeting created an important platform for APAL and the State Committee to voice the needs of the community and highlight ongoing challenges related to healthcare access, rehabilitation, and social protection.

During the discussion, special focus was given to the LCDC Program, its policies, and the functioning of the Coordination Committee. APAL emphasized the necessity of strengthening program implementation at the grassroots level and ensuring that benefits reach all leprosy-affected individuals without delay. The Commissioner responded positively and appreciated APAL’s continuous efforts in Maharashtra. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to work collaboratively toward improved health services, social inclusion, and dignified living conditions for persons affected by leprosy in the state.

APAL’s President, Ms. Maya Ranavare, along with representatives from the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana and team, met on 13th November 2025 with Dr. Nipun Vinayak, Secretary, Government of Maharashtra (Policy), Health Department. Dr. Vinayak attended the meeting as the Chief Guest. During this meeting, the APAL delegation formally submitted a detailed report outlining major concerns regarding the current leprosy notification process in the state.

In the discussion, APAL highlighted that the referral system—under which private doctors are expected to send suspected leprosy patients to government hospitals—remains unclear and poorly communicated. This lack of clarity has resulted in confusion at the field level, with many patients turning to private treatment without informing authorities. As a result, numerous cases remain unreported, leading to gaps in official government records.

The delegation also pointed out that there are no clear guidelines on whether private medical practitioners are permitted to prescribe or dispense leprosy medications. This ambiguity creates significant challenges for both doctors and patients. Moreover, government hospitals are currently following inconsistent reporting practices, as there is no standardized operating procedure (SOP) or uniform format available for documenting and notifying leprosy cases.

Another major issue raised was the inadequate communication of patient rights. Many individuals affected by leprosy are not properly informed about their entitlements, and certain government directives are vague, leading to practical difficulties for health workers, frontline staff, and organizations working closely with affected communities.

APAL urged the government to address these issues by issuing clear and comprehensive guidelines, developing a unified and transparent notification system, and establishing standard SOPs and reporting formats. The organization emphasized the need for a patient-centered approach that ensures dignity, proper communication, and effective implementation at all levels.

The meeting concluded with a positive response from Dr. Vinayak, who acknowledged the concerns and assured that the Health Department would review the matter and take necessary steps to improve the existing system.

On 13th November 2025, APAL’s President, Maya Ranavare, along with representatives from the Maharashtra Kusht Pidit Sanghatana, met today in Panvel, Mumbai, to discuss important matters concerning the recent government notification on leprosy. During the meeting, Advocate Manoj Bhujbal Saheb, who serves as an advisor to the Maharashtra organization, also participated and provided valuable legal insights.

The discussion focused on the government order that has been recently issued, with particular emphasis on understanding its legal implications and determining the appropriate steps to be taken. Ms. Maya Ranavare, as a woman affected by leprosy and the President of APAL, expressed several concerns and sought clarification on specific points within the notification.

She raised key questions and observations regarding the leprosy notification. One of the main issues discussed was the referral process, where patients examined by private doctors are referred to government hospitals; however, the procedures for referral and reporting remain unclear. Another concern was about unreported cases, as some patients receive treatment privately without informing authorities, resulting in underreporting and gaps in official data.

Further, there was a discussion on the role of private doctors, as it is uncertain whether they are permitted to prescribe or provide leprosy medicines. Ms. Ranavare also highlighted that notifications from public hospitals are inconsistent and require stronger coordination. Additionally, the lack of a standard operating procedure (SOP) or a sample format for reporting notified leprosy cases was noted as a major issue.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of protecting patient rights and human rights, which are currently not being effectively communicated or safeguarded. Lastly, the government instructions in the notification were found to be unclear, creating confusion among organizations and health workers. Ms. Ranavare stressed the need for better clarification and coordination between government authorities and organizations working for persons affected by leprosy.

On 12^th November 2025, APAL, in collaboration with Maharashtra Kushtpidit Sanghatna, met Member of Parliament Mr. Vishal Dada Patil from Sangli District, Maharashtra, to submit a memorandum regarding the urgent housing needs of persons affected by leprosy residing in Indiranagar Kusht Basti, Miraj. The delegation highlighted that due to the demolition of their earlier shelters near the railway area, many families have been left without homes for several months. Despite repeated appeals to the municipal authorities for rehabilitation, no permanent housing solution has been provided, causing immense hardship to the affected families.

During the meeting, APAL and the Maharashtra Kushtpidit Sanghatna emphasized the need for the government to allocate housing under the Awas Yojana and ensure the inclusion of leprosy-affected persons in mainstream development programs. They requested the honorable MP to take up the matter with the concerned authorities and facilitate early approval of housing plots for the displaced families. Mr. Vishal Patil gave a positive response and assured that he would raise this issue at the appropriate level to ensure justice and rehabilitation for the affected community.

On 12th November 2025, APAL President Ms. Maya Ranavare visited the Beauty Parlor Class under the CBVT Project at Richardson Regional Hospital, Miraj. During the visit, Ms. Soni Gaikwad (CDO) provided complete information about the CBVT project and later guided the President through the training center. She also explained the details of the Mobile Repairing Course being conducted as part of the project.

After the briefing, Ms. Ranavare visited the Beauty Parlor Training Class, where Ms. Soni warmly welcomed her and invited her to motivate the students. Ms. Ranavare introduced herself and delivered an encouraging talk, inspiring the trainees to work with dedication and confidence. She interacted with all the students, shared words of motivation, and appreciated their efforts to learn new skills for self-reliance. Her visit brought enthusiasm and encouragement among the participants, wishing them all good luck for their future endeavors.

On 6^th November 2025, Member of Parliament Mr. Naresh Maske Saheb visited the Mahatma Gandhi Leprosy Colony in Mulund, Mumbai, upon the invitation of APAL (Association of People Affected by Leprosy). His visit brought great encouragement and hope to the residents of the colony, as it reflected his genuine concern for the welfare and dignity of persons affected by leprosy.

During his visit, Mr. Maske interacted closely with the colony residents, listening to their challenges, needs, and aspirations. He also held a detailed discussion with APAL representatives about the organization’s ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for persons affected by leprosy and their families. The conversation focused on how government schemes and welfare programs could be made more accessible and effectively implemented for those residing in leprosy colonies.

Mr. Maske assured his full support in raising the issues of persons affected by leprosy at appropriate government platforms and promised to work toward ensuring their social and economic inclusion. His visit was a significant moment of solidarity and recognition, reinforcing APAL’s mission to advocate for the rights and dignity of every individual affected by leprosy across India.