Puri: Veteran theatre artiste and director Ramchandra Pratihari has been admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar with certain health complications.
Doctors have advised Pratihari, 82, to arrange Rs 2 lakh for an operation. However, the veteran artiste is facing a tough task to arrange the money for his treatment.
“There is a tumour-like formation on my lip. I had spotted it several days ago, but could not consult a doctor due to poor financial condition. I got admitted to a private hospital three days ago. Now, doctors have advised me to arrange Rs 2 lakh for the operation,” said Pratihari, who had left home at the age of 18 to act in theatres.
According to Pratihari, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has provided some financial assistance to him but it was not sufficient for his treatment. “Now, I am requiring at least Rs 3,000 per day to pay my medical bill. I have no money for the operation,” Pratihari rued.
Notably, Pratihari has been felicitated with several awards for his contribution to theatre and Odia cinema. He has also groomed several artistes during his long career.
“Pratihari is a towering personality in the theatre arena. Now, he is struggling to arrange money for his treatment. Sadly, no government or private entity has extended a helping hand to him,” said a city-based social activist.
