For a long time, Siddhiman and Sanumaya Limbu, of Khanalthok-9, have been following a tough routine making bricks in the hopes of earning enough to pay for the treatment for their son Jhalakman. The couple lands up at the field at around 1am and makes bricks till the evening. [break]
“Why do diseases afflict only the poor?” said Sanumaya, who also complains about having to suffer social stigmas with their health and wealth going down. “We sold two buffaloes and some ancestral land to treat out elder son.”
The problems in Jhalakman´s kidneys were diagnosed seven years ago when his parents took him to Shir Memorial Hospital in Banepa for a check up. In want of money, he was never taken to any hospital for further check ups and he has been taking the same medicine prescribed by the hospital then.
“The doctors at the hospital said only one of his two kidneys was slightly working. We were confused and did not go for another check-up because we did not even have money to travel by bus up to Banepa,” Sanumaya said. “We are continuing his medication with money borrowed from neighbors and relatives.”
Until a few years ago, the Lama couple would go to Bhaktapur where they get better wages during winter. But due to Jhalakman´s poor health, they are compelled to work in nearby Bhakundebesi.
Jhalakman, a brilliant student, is adored by all the teachers and students of Nabin Primary School. “He performs well despite his low attendance in the classroom. We are very sorry to hear about his kidneys,” said Arjun Khanal, a teacher.
Suman Shrestha, a close friend, said Jhalakman´s classmates are planning to launch a door-to-door fundraiser and save their pocket money to help him get treated.
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