Odisha woman suffers setback 13-year after losing sight

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Jajpur, Mar 21:

Little did the Odisha woman know that her hopes of seeing this colourful world once again would be dashed within no time! After running from pillar to post for nearly 13 years over treatment, the distraught family members had to return empty handed from New Delhi as the doctors refused to treat her saying the much delay in treatment has caused permanent and irreparable damage to her eyes, which resulted in complete blindness.

Radhamani Senapati of Prakatpur village under Dasrathpur block in Jajpur district was a victim of botched treatment at the district headquarters hospital here in 2002.

During her pregnancy, Radhamani and her husband Binod were availing health services at the government-run hospital. However, she developed complications due to alleged faulty treatment of the then doctor leading to blindness and death of the child.

Binod had approached district administration, chief minister and even prime minister from time to time for financial assistance towards his wife’s treatment. The paltry sum released by the district administration, after several pleas, from the chief minister’s fund was too little for quality treatment.

The family members who were getting her treated at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack decided to shift the patient to AIIMS, New Delhi for specialised treatment, but again funds posed a hurdle for them.

Struggling to meet the ends, the desperate family members threatened to resort to self immolation in front of the governor’s house here on March 17 after which the district administration extended a financial aid of Rs 1 lakh and two staff to accompany them to AIIMS.

Radhamani succeeded in scheduling an appointment with ophthalmologists after much difficulty. However, the family was unaware of the fact that disappointment was waiting to strike them. The doctors were of the opinion that the damage has been done. The 13 long years of not getting proper treatment has cost her most valuable asset of human body, the eyes. Her eyes could not be operated upon, the doctors said.

The hopes of the family came crumbling down and were visibly choked.

After running for help for 13 years, the district administration’s much delayed help was of no use to them.

Binod Senapati, husband of the victim, has alleged that chief minister’s extreme negligence towards his grievances has ruined his family.