In a poignant display of maternal devotion, 43-year-old S. Sarada from Jaydurga Nagar in Berhampur, Odisha, donated a kidney to her 17-year-old son, S. Sai Biswanath, who was battling end-stage renal disease. Despite the successful transplant, the family now faces significant financial challenges in managing the ongoing medical expenses associated with post-transplant care. On Mother's Day, Sarada appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for financial assistance to support their continued treatment.
In 2023, Biswanath was diagnosed with a serious kidney injury, with 95% of his kidneys being non-functional. The family, with meager financial resources, underwent treatment at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam. Physicians advised a kidney transplant as the only option. Both parents volunteered as potential donors, and after undergoing the required tests, Sarada's kidney was found to be compatible. The transplant was successfully performed in February 2024, during which Sarada's left kidney was donated for the procedure.
While both Sarada and Biswanath are recovering well, they require lifelong medication and regular monitoring. The cost of these ongoing treatments has exhausted the family's financial resources. Previously, the Ganjam district administration provided ₹30,000 from the Red Cross Fund to assist with medical expenses. However, this support has proven insufficient for the long-term care required. The family has also reached out to the President, the Prime Minister, and the local MLA for assistance.
On Mother's Day, Sarada made an emotional appeal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, requesting financial assistance to help cover her high monthly medical bills. She pointed out that several other states provide ₹10,000 each month to support kidney patients and urged the Odisha government to establish a similar program to assist families in situations like hers.
Critics argue that Sarada's request highlights the need for a comprehensive policy in Odisha to provide ongoing financial support to organ transplantation recipients and their families.
In addition to relieving families from excessive financial burdens, financial assistance would enhance donations by providing care to both donors and recipients after procedures, ensuring their lives remain comfortable.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)