Jhumpura: Even though the Centre and the state have launched several schemes to provide better healthcare to the poor, the yojanas remain elusive to many even now.
An example is Sunil Munda, 12, the eldest son of Govind Munda, a resident of Tali Sahi in the Basantpur panchayat of Keonjhar district.
The boy has become crippled with no means for treatment after a wound developed on his left leg.
From a very young age, Sunil had to face a lot of problems. He lost his mother, his father is mentally disturbed, and now the wound on his left foot has left him bed-ridden.
“As my father is mentally unsound, my brother and sister and I have been living with aunt Manguli Munda. My aunt is not able to get me treated and so my wound has become serious, forcing me to give up education,” Sunil said, showing his wound covered with a piece of cloth to keep it away from flies.
Sunil’s family comprising parents, two sisters and a brother lived in a hut. Misfortune struck the family and his mother died. His wife’s death shocked Sunil’s father, and he lost his sanity.
A year ago, Sunil hurt his left foot after he accidentally hit a hard object. Subsequently a wound appeared on his foot, and it has crippled him due to lack of treatment.
A school dropout, Sunil says, “Due to poverty my family cannot afford treatment.” His aunt, who has been taking care of Sunil and his siblings, feels sad at not being able to get Sunil treated.
“I took Sunil to the Jhumpura government hospital and the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). I did whatever I could do. Later, I had to bring him back as my savings were not enough to meet hospital expenses,” says Manguli.
If the wound is not treated, it could affect his leg and it could become life threatening, she said.
Block Health Extension Officer Ramesh Chandra Nayak said he had no information about Sunil’s medical problems. “I will enquire into it,” he said.
PNN