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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com/2008/04/27/stories/2008042751070300.htm)
Other States
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Orissa
Hoping against hope for help
Correspondent
Labourer in despair as his son suffers from juvenile diabetes
KORAPUT: Sahadev Bhatra, a 22-year-old youth from Girla, a tribal village in Kotpad block of Koraput district is severely malnourished. He looks like those facing severe famine in Somalia.
He is suffering from juvenile diabetics, according to doctors in the district headquarters hospital. While there is no respite for Sahadev, the reasons for this condition could not be left untouched.
According to his father Gangadhar Bhatra, the boy was a student in the local residential school a few years ago. However, after continuous complains of illness and gradually losing interest in taking any food, Gangadhar was forced to discontinue his studies. With very little option and lack of easier access to health benefits at the grassroots, Sahadev was taken to traditional healers and quacks for treatment.
No relief
But, failing to get any relief there, he was then taken to the Mission Hospital at Nowrangpur where he was asked to give treatment for diabetics. Since then he had to purchase insulin vials at a cost of Rs. 180 each.
He was supposed to take the medicine regularly. Being a daily labourer, Gangadhar found it difficult to bear the expenditure and leave the condition to the almighty whenever he had no amount to purchase the drug.
The deteriorating condition of Sahadev is causing worry to his parents.
He almost lost his appetite and is rarely taking food.
With the situation getting worse, Sahdev has now been brought to the district headquarters hospital with a hope that things would be better for the patient.
However, there is no support from the administration, neither from the Red Cross nor from any other sources.
Though the hospital has been providing bread and milk, Sahadev is averse to taking them.
Further, Sahadev’s three-year-old second son,
Tularam, is also probably suffering from similar illness. The entire family is in the hospital attending the two sons and there is no other way to get the daily requirements.
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