Post News Network
Sambalpur, May 9: In yet another instance of abject poverty in this tribal-dominated district, an elderly-couple has been fighting against death at the district headquarters hospital sans money and food.
Residents of Reamal area in Deogarh district, Sunakar Sahu (75) and his wife Jamuna (65) have been staying with their daughter in a rented house at Kumbharpada here for about 30 years. Sahu, a cancer patient, used to work in hotels and roadside eateries when he was physically strong while his wife used to supplement the family income by cleaning utensils at a few houses.
The couple wanted to make their daughter, Nibedita, a nurse. They admitted her to a nursing college of the town to realize their dream. Apart from studying in the college, Nibedita also took admission in a computer training course so that she could get a job. However, dreams of the couple shattered when Sahu was diagnosed with cancer recently. Since then, the couple has been struggling to arrange food for themselves as they have spent all of their income for Sahu’s treatment. With no money to buy rice and grocery items, the couple has been living miserly for more than a week. When asked about his condition at the hospital, Sahu broke down. “We have run out of money to buy rice and grocery items and clothes. Our neighbours helped us for a few days, but they have stopped helping us now. Life has been very difficult for us,” said Sahu.
Piling on their agony , Jamuna’s health condition has also deteriorated due to hunger. A few local activists admitted the woman to the district headquarters hospital where she is undergoing treatment on the floors due to lack of bed. Sahu said he has not received a BPL card, ration card or any other facilities from the government. Neither the district administration nor any political leader has extended any help so far, he added.
More than their condition, the couple is worried about the future of their daughter who is studying in the college as a first year student. Apprehensive over their inability to fund her study, the couple cried relentlessly.
However, the girl has not lost hope and took up a job at a private nursing home in Bhubaneswar to realise her dream and cure her parents.
“I have no other option but to do the job at `3,200 per month. It is very difficult to arrange money for treatment of my parents and fund my study from the limited money. Neither the administration nor the government has come forward to help our family,” Nibedita said.