Though her health is gradually deteriorating due to lack of attention by the doctors, Aslam Miya´s daughter Harjul is forced to stay in the hospital until the payment is done. Miya is a rickshaw puller in Janakpur.[break]
"We poor are born to die untimely," said Miya. "Even if I sell all that I have, I will not be able to put together that amount."
Harjul was injured on October 23 while digging a sloppy area to collect mud for domestic purpose. She was admitted to the hospital on October 27 and is occupying bed no 11 of the surgical ward since then.
Denying the charge of holding the girl for not paying the bill, the hospital´s administrative officer Bipul Shrestha said, "We had informed the pateint´s family that we can lower the charges to some extent if they cannot pay the total amount. The family had told us that they would arrange the money and take their patient home."
Harjul´s mother complained that the girl was not provided even basic medicine. "She is not getting necessary medicines,” said Rajana Khatun, the mother. "I could take my daughter home soon if kind donors helped me," pleaded the father.
According to a doctor involved in Harjul´s treatment, she needs to undergo further treatment. "She needs further treatment which is not possible here," he said.
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