State Government provides assistance to stranded economically weak patient
Due to nationwide lockdown in the country, large scale migrant workers, tourists, pilgrims and persons employed in private sectors were stranded in different parts of the nation. Some of them had to loose their jobs following closure of industries and companies. There were also some instances where few persons fell ill and some critically ill and problem aggravated as they were away from their homes and family.
In this time of crises, the state government is extending a helping hand to its natives irrespective of their existing residing place. In one such instance, Neeraj Kumar of Chauntra in Jogindernagar of Mandi, an intern in Bengaluru, was suffering from liver damage felt out of hope due to lack of money and any source of assistance.
Timely information sharing and helping hand given by the government of Himachal Pradesh has saved the life of a seriously ill patient stranded in Bengaluru of Karnataka State amid COVID-19 pandemic.
After not getting any assistance, an intern in Bengaluru informed through an e-mail message at COVID Helpline that one friend of her, Neeraj Kumar of Chauntra in Jogindernagar of Mandi, is suffering with liver damage and that she and her collegues are not able to handle the situation and that he may die without timely medical help.
In a meteoric response from officers at helpline, the girl who was communicating the incident was contacted on her mobile. “The Agadi Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru has given an estimate of Rs. 50,000 as treatment expenses of Neeraj Kumar” told the girl, adding that the hospital management said that the treatment cannot be delayed. She had no idea what to do next.
After certification from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jogindernagar of Mandi district that Neeraj Kumar belongs to poor family and require financial assistance, the State government decided to bear all hospital expenses from Chief Minister Relief Fund.
It was only after the assurance letter from the office of Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh for bearing his medical expenses that hospital management agreed to start his treatment.
After successful treatment and discharge from the hospital on May 13, Neeraj Kumar thanked the Himachal government for its expeditious response and timely help because of which he is alive today.
In a similar instance, a two year old coronavirus positive girl from Chamba, has also been diagnosed as having a hole in heart. Her heart-related ailment can only be treated with a major surgery and keeping in view the economic condition of her family, the Himachal government has decided to bear the cost of her treatment within or outside the state.