Mangalore, March 24: In a humane gesture, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday paid all the remaining bills of a destitute woman, for whose treatment he had taken special interest.
The 32-year-old Vijayalakshmi, who had become completely immobile after enduring a fall while fetching firewood, happily discharged from the AJ Hospital after several months of stay.
“Because of you, I was able to receive this costly treatment at a good hospital and it is you who brought smile on the face of my children”, said a humble Vijayalakshmi who was admitted to the hospital in November last year.
HDK not only helped the helpless woman by providing treatment for her at his own expense, but also pledged to ensure a bright future for her two children, who also suffer from various ailments.
The JD(S) leader also thanked the hospital authorities and doctors for their co-operation and support.
District JDS president MB Sadashiva, and other leaders of the party including Abubaker Natekal, Haider Parthipady, Francis Nornha and DM Aslam among others, were present.
Background
Through a media report, Kumaraswamy had come to know about the pathetic condition of Vijayalakshmi, a resident of Kalmadka in Sullia and the lone bread-winner of her impoverished family after her husband died four years ago.
She was looking after herself and the two children – Vijetha and Vidatha – by rolling beedies. Though eking out a living out of it was difficult, she was fighting against odds with the hope that future has something brighter for her in store.
But this was not to be. She had a disastrous fall and was left completely bed-ridden. She received treatment at a local hospital for few days. Then she was brought to KS Hegde hospital in Deralakatte, where her position continued to be grim. As she did not respond to treatment, and since she could not afford the expensive tests, Vijayalakshmi was moved back to home, where she had a shot at Ayurveda therapy.
The hapless woman also underwent a spell of treatment at a hospital in Kasaragod, but the condition did not improve, which also attracted media glare.
After watching the news on TV9 last November, Kumaraswamy contacted the family and asked them to come over to AJ Hospital in Mangalore and as promised, he kept his word. During a visit to Mangalore, he had discussed the condition of the woman with doctors and officials and reminded them of their responsibility.
Later, he provided Rs 50,000 towards hospital bill of the woman and secured an assurance from the DC Subodh Yadav of a help of Rs 40,000.
Kumaraswamy had also inquired about the condition of two children. Upon inquiry, it was revealed that Vijetha is suffering from fits while Vidhata had lost his eyesight earlier.
The former chief minister later deposited Rs 2 lakh under fixed deposit account in their name to meet the future expense of their education.
The two children had not been attending to school after their mother was left bed-ridden as on one hand they were forced to be by their mom's side and also had to contribute to family's earning by rolling beedies.
Kumaraswamy had also summoned the branch manager of a nationalised bank and discussed modalities of opening the fixed deposit account, which would accrue at least Rs 2,000 as interest every month.
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