Bhawanipatna: A disease yet to be diagnosed properly has left 14-year-old Draupadi confined to bed at Sanachhatrang village of Padepatar panchayat under Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi district. She has been fighting against the disease for last 12 years.
Hamdu Majhi, a daily wager, and Sitamani have three children. Draupadi is the second one. The couple was equally happy when Draupadi was born as they had been when they had their first child. But as days passed, they noticed some abnormalities developing in her.
Arranging money from friends and relatives, they had taken her to Bhawanipatna district headquarters hospital (DHH). The doctors there, however, expressed their inability to diagnose the disease properly, says Hamdu.
Left with no money, Hamdu and Sitamani brought her back to the house. They have never been in a position of financial wellness to afford better treatment for Draupadi at better hospitals.
Without treatment, Draupadi’s health began to deteriorate with time, making her immobile. Over time, she has lost her ability to speak as well. She remains bedridden all the time.
Hamdu, who somehow manages to afford two square meals a day for his family after a hard day at work, had lost all hopes of getting Draupadi cured. “How can I think of providing better medical facilities to my daughter when keeping the pot boiling at home is a difficult task for me,” he rued.
That said, when contacted about this issue, chief district medical officer Dr. Banalata Dash assured that the administration will get involved and take necessary steps.
PNN