In a heartwarming display of compassion, doctors and staff from the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care at the state-run MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur have come together to provide financial assistance to a 28-year-old patient suffering from end-stage renal failure. The patient, who worked as a pharmacist on a minimal salary through an outsourcing agency at the same medical college, is now undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He requires haemodialysis every alternate day while awaiting a kidney transplant.
Financial Burden and Family Struggles
The total estimated cost of the patient's treatment is around Rs 10 lakh. However, the Rs 5 lakh coverage under the government's Ayushman Yojana has already been exhausted on his father's medical expenses. His father, a farmer over 60 years old from the Aska area in Ganjam district, also suffers from kidney ailments and undergoes regular dialysis. As the sole breadwinner, the patient supports his ailing father, mother, and three sisters, two of whom are married.
Staff Initiative and Donation
Upon learning about the patient's dire circumstances, Jagdeep Nayak, an assistant professor in the Department of Anaesthesiology, took the initiative to collect funds from his colleagues. “After coming to know about his family’s condition and his end-stage renal disease, we decided to extend a helping hand,” Nayak said. Within a day, the department collected Rs 1.63 lakh, which was handed over to the patient. Doctors, junior doctors, nursing officers, and pharmacists voluntarily contributed. “The amount might be small, but it has helped him a lot during his and his father’s treatment,” Nayak added, appealing to others for further support.
Patient's Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The patient, who prefers to remain anonymous, had been getting his father treated at MKCG last year when he was also diagnosed with a kidney ailment. His condition worsened rapidly, necessitating regular dialysis. After completing all formalities, his mother has decided to donate one of her kidneys to save his life. The kidney transplantation is expected to take place in the next or last week of this month, according to sources.
“I thank the staff of the Department of Anaesthesiology for contributing to my treatment,” the patient expressed.
