Though the government provides free treatment for TB patients, Nanda Saud of Sarmali VDC-5 was dumped by her husband two years ago. She has been afflicted with the disease for the past four years.[break]
Saud, a mother of four sons, is in great distress, especially as her husband has left her. After she became bedridden with the disease, villagers brought her to the hospital and left.
“I also face the problem of food and shelter,” she said, “While administering TB medicine, doctors tell me that I need to eat fruits and take additional nutrition but I cannot afford it.” Doctor said that Saud is in the last stages of TB (XDR-TB), which should be treated under doctors´ observation.
The government provides Rs 1,500 per month for a TB patient for additional nutrition but this is not sufficient for her, Saud said. Hers husband has sold off all their property.
The hospital administration said that it has started discussions with people from different sectors to help Saud. Last year, 236 TB patients received treatment at the hospital. This year 50 patients are receiving treatment.
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