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Journalism of Courage
Balvinder (19), who was diagnosed with two dysfunctional valves in his heart, at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is waiting for his treatment even after AIIMS authorites agreed to operate upon him at half the price.
His desperate family and friends consulted various competent doctors in the city to conduct his operation, but the amount of Rs 3 Lakh was too much for the family to arrange.
Balvinder, who is a resident of Jawahar Nagar camp, was a good student till Class VIII, but he was forced to leave his studies in the wake of illness leading to breathlessness attack some two years ago. Though he wanted to resume classes, but it was in vain as his condition deteriorated.
His mother earns a meagre income by working as a domestic help which is hardly makes both ends meet. “I have two elder sons who are daily wagers too and are only able to support their own families. Otherwise, there are no relatives to fall back upon in this moment of crisis in the family,” said his mother Swarna Rani.
She said that neighbours has been very helpful as they helped them visit AIIMS to get the treatment initially. “The institute has said that it would not charge anything, but there is still a requirement of approximate 1.5 lakh to pay for the cost of the artificial valves. And it is beyond our means or resources to collect such a huhe amount,” she said.
“Out of compassion, the neighbours and area residents are helping me raise funds. But we are fighting against time now, as Balwinder’s condition has been getting worse with every passing day,” she said.
The family and friends of the patient have appealed to NGOs in the city and philanthropists to help in the treatment of Balwinder.
