Bheden: Cancer is alarmingly spreading its tentacles all across Bargarh, a fertile land in western Odisha known as rice bowl of the state where every year, new cancer patients get added to the already increasing number.
This phenomenon has created an atmosphere of fear and apprehension leaving people in a state of panic. If a family unfortunately gets a cancer patient, chances of going to rack and ruin is inevitable.
A family in Talagaon village of Aenlapali panchayat under Bheden block in Bargarh district is a case in point.
In this village, Jadu Sahoo’s family resides. His family includes his wife Jashobanti (40) and visually impaired son Agasti (19). This poverty-stricken family lives in a hut erected on a pasture land as they lack the means for a proper shelter. Jadu sells snacks in village markets and runs his family with whatever little he earns.
As if that were not enough, Jadu got the last straw on his already bent back last year when his wife was diagnosed with oral cancer.
Already deep down under, Jadu put up a brave face and took his wife to VIMSAR, Burla. Thereafter, in spite of hardship he continued her treatment at a private hospital in Cuttack. A monthly expenditure of 24,000 was incurred during this period.
But as of now, he has stopped his wife’s treatment, leaving her at the mercy of the God. “I am under great financial difficulties and my wife’s treatment cost has broken my back bone further. I am no longer able to arrange the money needed to continue her treatment,” said Jadu.
When asked if he had availed any government help, he said, “I have received money through Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana card. But it was made available once only. No further help has come on my way.”
Lack of money is going to spell doom for Jashobanti as she has been deprived of treatment and medicines, which are essential for her survival. Besides, she has also stopped taking any food, leaving her confined to bed. Meanwhile, Jadu has made rounds of the Collector’s office but did not get any assurance.
When contacted, Bargarh Collector Indramani Tripathy said, “If he has availed financial assistance in Biju Krushak Kalyan Yojana, an inquiry will soon be conducted as to why his wife’s treatment is stopped and then necessary steps would be take.”
On the other hand, the villagers urged the Collector to take immediate steps to save the family. “It should not be the case that by the time the administration comes with help, there will be none to receive the same,” they rued.
PNN
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