Nuapada/Khariar: People of Bhojpur, an underdeveloped village in Khariar block of Nuapada district, regret for their birth in the village as the death toll due to kidney ailments has been increasing every year, a report said.
Many villagers are waiting helplessly for their end as the administration is yet to come up with a solution to their problem, it was learnt.
While the families of the persons who died of the mysterious diseases don’t get any government assistance, other sufferers lead miserable lives.
Bhojpur with a population of about 2,000, half of it belonging to BPL category, is 4 km away from Khariar town.
While most people here struggle for survival, the kidney ailments have come as a bolt from the blue, some aging residents said.
According to the villagers, the number of victims has increased during last two to three years and they are clueless about the reason behind it. The government has also not taken any initiative to find out the cause of the diseases. While seven persons of Bhojpur have died in less than two years, many people are counting their days suffering from the disease.
The deceased were identified as Nikunja Patel (32), Rabi Chandra Patel (38), Duryodhar Patel (48), Sankirtan Bhoi (48), Sarveswar Bhoi (45), Ghanashyam Satnami (35) and Loknath Parabhoi (38).
The patients were suddenly diagnosed with damaged kidneys without symptoms. They were first taken to Nuapada and later to Burla. With the medical expenses going beyond their reach, their families had to bring the patients back who subsequently died at home without treatment.
For example, Ghanashyam Satnami, who died October 1, was taken to Burla and then to Raipur for treatment.
“The doctors said he was suffering from a kidney disease and demanded Rs 7 lakh for treatment. As it was impossible for us to arrange such a huge amount, we came back and he died at home,” Ghanashyam’s wife Prembai Satnami said.
Ghanashyam is survived by his wife and five sons. While her first two sons work as labourers, the three others, who are less than 10 years of age, have dropped out of school due to poverty, Prembai added.
All the belongings of the house have been sold to meet the treatment expenses of Ghanasyam, she further said.
The condition Loknath Parabhoi’s family is no better after his death.
Lokanath’s two sons Kuna (21) and Rajin (16) work as daily wager to support the family after leaving their studies in the middle, Bhanu said, claiming she is yet to get to widow pension from the administration.
Meanwhile, Gomati Thela (40), Tekiram Bag (50) and his wife Prema Bag (48) were found battling for life in their shanties after suffering from the disease.
When contacted, local sarpanch Yoshovanti Gahir said funds available with the panchayat office are inadequate for treatment of the patients. The block administration has been apprised of the situation, Gahir added.
Locals demanded special attention from the district administration and the health department to address the issue and financial assistance for the kin of the deceased.