Bed-ridden for six years, Odisha man’s family battles pain and poverty

Odisha: Lakshmidhar Baliarsingh, a resident of Gedia Palli Patna village in Bolagarh block of Khordha district, has been bedridden for the past six years, plunging his family into immense physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Lakshmidhar, once the breadwinner of his family, earned a living working at a local college. Those were days filled with togetherness and happiness.

But life took a tragic turn on July 7, 2019, when Lakshmidhar was involved in a serious accident while returning home. He was initially taken to several hospitals, and eventually underwent surgery on the advice of doctors. Although there was some initial improvement, his condition gradually worsened. Subsequent surgeries failed to provide any lasting relief, and doctors advised further operations. Since then, he has been confined to his bed and dependent on constant care. “I was returning from college in the evening when I met with an accident involving a cow. When I regained consciousness two hours later, I felt like I had lost my legs. All four of my limbs were damaged. According to the doctors, if the surgery had been performed within 48 hours, I would have fully recovered in six months. But the surgery was performed six days later. Two years after the surgery, I experienced pain in my lower abdomen. The pain was unbearable. I went to the same doctor, and he advised me to get an ultrasound. Later, gallstones were found, which had already ruptured. The doctor had to perform another surgery. After this incident, the recovery process reversed,” Lakshmidhar recounted sadly.

Lakshmidhar’s prolonged illness has placed a tremendous financial burden on the family. He requires medicines costing Rs. 12,000 every month, while daily physiotherapy sessions cost Rs. 500 per day – an expense the family finds almost impossible to bear.

Neighbors recall a time when the family was considered prosperous, but all their resources have been depleted due to the son’s treatment. Despite these difficulties, Lakshmidhar’s father, Nabakishore, has not lost hope. He has opened a small shop to support his family and is also ensuring that his son receives treatment.

The emotional burden is equally heavy. Lakshmidhar’s mother, who once shared joyful moments with her family every day, is now often found weeping by her son’s bedside. His wife and the entire family are steeped in sorrow. Speaking about this difficult time, Lakshmidhar’s father expressed his constant worry for his son’s recovery and the well-being of his grandchildren.

“I have sold 8 acres of land for my son’s treatment, cashed in four or five LIC policies, and sold some gold as well. So far, the treatment has cost 90-92 lakh rupees. Now I have no land left. I also have to take care of his two sons. We have to spend 25,000 rupees every month on physiotherapy and medicines. I am helpless now,” said Lakshmidhar’s father, Nabakishore.

If anyone wishes to help this family going through such a difficult time, they can contact 6372303550.