Gangulamma is from our village. Our neighbour's sister. Married into Tirupati to her husband, a driver.
This is she and her husband and her grandson. Dhawan. Dhawan is four years. Tiny. Looks two years. Bright eyed, adorable.
They came to meet Dr Girija yesterday. For Dhawan. And the story of the travails of the poor unfolded. As I took down their case.
The child was diagnosed with a aorta constriction, congenital, but detected only 3 months ago. And then they got admission into the government hospital in Tirupati. And then were sent to the speciality hospital SVIMS. As it was too complicated, they were asked to leave and go elsewhere.
Hyderabad has a good heart hospital they heard, but there they were told that because of the bifurcation of states, they will not accept the Arogya Sri government health card of Andhra Pradesh. And the real cost will be 5 lakhs.
They then asked around. And came to rhe government Children's Hospital at Egmore. There. "Your government is not giving us water. But for treatment they want us to serve you. You tell us why !! Ok, we will bill you even if we do it. Ok, at a lower rate."
They came in May. Waited thro the month. In the hospital. "Two of us stayed in the premises. Daily food cost is ar least 300/-. Dhawan is fed, but we need to eat in hotel." Gangulamma said. Then added. "Food is also not good here. Not like our Andhra." With a wan smile.
After a month, they were told that there are too many waiting patients. And were sent back to come after a month. They came again.
July 1st. Waiting for 20 days. No information.
They did not complain. They said there are families that are waiting even longer with no information.
They contacted me only yesterday. They took buses from Egmore Childrens Hospital and cane to see Dr Girija. They were glad to meet someone who cares, who had time for them. And the concern to think and talk.
Dr. Girija went through their case. Also connected them with some heart specialists who will give a good picture, an honest assessment.
We are continuing making the rounds ...
...
A village child. An open heart surgery. His grandparents have brought him to Chennai. They are making the rounds.
The grandfather calls me. "My wife wants to sell her earrings to pay for the operation costs. If needed. Please help us on how to proceed with this here.'
To most people in this country. That is the value of ornaments. An asset. To be sold. In hard times. To survive.
...
29 July 2019
...
29 July 2019
Dawan, a 4 year old child with a serious heart condition. His grandmother is from our village. They are now in Tirupati.
The open heart surgery would cost a few lakhs. Father works as an attender.
As the condition could not be managed at the Tirupathi government hospital, they came to the Children's Government hospital in Egmore.
Where they were kept waiting without information in the ward for 2 months. As the grandfather said, for the grandparents to stay there meant eating out daily, and a pointless expense of 400/- a day. The expenses only mounted.
Then their daughter Jyothi, my neighbour in my village, told me.
My friend Chitra Sharan moved mountains to organize a surgery for them through a trust. Shes like that. She does things. Silently.
They were told to get discharged and check into the other hospital.
The government Childrens Hospital, Egmore, would not give discharge papers.
The grandfather just now paid a big bribe to get the discharge papers. He will now go to the other hospital for the open heart surgery.
This is my country. And this is how the poor in my country survive.
The head of the country is giving photo ops with some wildlife. We are left running from pillar to post.
... 2nd August
Dawan. In his hospital gown. Welcomed us with a cheerful smile. Was happy to be photographed. Grabbed the phone to check out his pictures.
I told him that it was all in his hands. He told me that he will do his best. But there are some failures always. Thats it's in God's hands", said the mother Subhashini.
Dawan's smile is heart melting.
Aug 9, 2019 5 pm.
Happiness.
Aug 9, 2019 7 pm
13 Aug 2019
Friday he was discharged. Today, a week since the surgery, his grandparents brought him from Tirupati to Chennai to get the stitches removed.
... 2nd August
Dawan. In his hospital gown. Welcomed us with a cheerful smile. Was happy to be photographed. Grabbed the phone to check out his pictures.
His open heart surgery was due yesterday. Due to an emergency case. It was postponed. Today again he was wheeled into the OT, and again had to be wheeled out.
His mother and grandparents are there. Patient. And glad that they will get one of the best surgeons to operate. The surgeon spoke to them. That made them feel much better.
"The doctor knows Telugu. He explained to us why we had to make way for another more urgent case. Last two days.
I told him that it was all in his hands. He told me that he will do his best. But there are some failures always. Thats it's in God's hands", said the mother Subhashini.
The mother sleeps with the child. The grandparents sleep outside in the corridor. Everything is comfortable. Everyone of us is waiting for the operation, and for the positive outcome. With faith. With hope.
Dawan's smile is heart melting.
Happy to share that Dawan s surgery was successful.
The child underwent a difficult four hour open heart surgery, under the hands of a highly competent surgeon.
He was in the ICU for the next two days, and has come to the ward today. He is on oral food, and is encouraged to take small steps.
We are waiting for his heart stopping smile to come back on his face.
Today he just nodded his head when I asked him if he was in pain.
The mother was looking relaxed today. Two days ago, she was in tears, "Aunty, chaala bhayanga undhi." The grandfather said, "Doctor kooda dhairyam ivva ledu. Try chesthaamu annadu. " (The doctor also did not reassure us. He said he would try his best.). It was three days of tension for all involved.
"He is talking, snatching and watching mobile etc..."
The fourth day after the open heart surgery.
Aug 9, 2019 5 pm.
Happiness.
When a child comes through a difficult heart surgery smoothly.
And smiles again as of old. Davan.
Open heart surgery on Monday. Discharged on Friday. Back homewards on the train to Tirupati. With mother and grandparents.
This chapter in this small life has had a happy ending.
Gratitude.
Aug 9, 2019 7 pm
One country, two worlds.
Davan had an open heart surgery on Monday. They have been discharged today, the fifth day after surgery. They are right now in the passenger train to Tirupati.
His mother on the phone. " Aunty, very very crowded. Chaala janaalu. Slowgaa pothavundhi." As it's a passenger train it will reach after many hours. Crowded to a point where one can hardly stand. They are traveling unreserved. No tickets possible in this weekend rush.
In another world. Our world. After such a surgery. One would engage a private vehicle. Air conditioned. A vehicle with good cushioning. Which would take a recently operated child in full comfort. In sterile safety.
The two worlds co exist. On the same land.
Davan's well !
Last Monday this time the open heart surgery was going on. For four long hours.
Friday he was discharged. Today, a week since the surgery, his grandparents brought him from Tirupati to Chennai to get the stitches removed.
The surgeon was very happy with the progress.
The grandparents brought Tirupati ladoos for everyone. For the attenders, the nurses, the surgeons.
On the day of the surgery. All Davan's family was praying. The aunts and uncles and cousins. They walked up the steps to Tirumala, taking the footpath.They went up praying for him.
On the footpath ladoos are given, five per pilgrim. All those were sent to those who were with Dawan helping in Chennai.
13 Aug 2019
Davan's well !
Last Monday this time the open heart surgery was going on. For four long hours.
Friday he was discharged. Today, a week since the surgery, his grandparents brought him from Tirupati to Chennai to get the stitches removed.
The surgeon was very happy with the progress.
The grandparents brought Tirupati ladoos for everyone. For the attenders, the nurses, the surgeons.
On the day of the surgery. All Davan's family was praying. The aunts and uncles and cousins. They walked up the steps to Tirumala, taking the footpath.They went up praying for him.
On the footpath ladoos are given, five per pilgrim. All those were sent to those who were with Dawan helping in Chennai.
28 August 2019
In Tirupati.
28 August 2019
In Tirupati.
The beginnings ...
A village child. An open heart surgery. His grandparents have brought him to Chennai. They are making the rounds.
The grandfather calls me. "My wife wants to sell her earrings to pay for the operation costs. If needed. Please help us on how to proceed with this here.'
To most people in this country. That is the value of ornaments. An asset. To be sold. In hard times. To survive.
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