Through radio advertisement on the 18th of April, 2015, he heard of a free heart camp. Ignorant of his actual condition, he came for a follow up on his prevailing asthma.
Tika Ram Kami, 59yr old from Kailali, Dhangadi lives in a joint family comprising of 11 family members. He claims to own two katha land in their village which is insufficient to last a whole year let alone feed the entire family. His son works in India, hence is the sole bread winner of the family. Although the son’s income of Rs. 5000 is meager, they are content with it.
Tika Ram was diagnosed with Asthma three years back and has been on medication since then. “This acted as an additional burden on their existing financial condition” – says Tika Ram.
Upon being checked by Dr. Bhagawan Koirala he was diagnosed with a severe heart condition. Whereupon out of his 4 valves, his mitral valve required repair while his aortic valve needed replacement. “I was not ready for what the doctors had to say”- he said. Disheartened Tika Ram was listed under the indigent group to be picked up by the Jayanti Memorial Trust for operation. He was provided information on the government aid he could avail with proper documents he was required to obtain in order to incur minimum expenses for his surgery.
On the 24th of May, 2015, Tika Ram was successfully operated by Dr. Bhagawan Koirala at Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre. Although he received government aid which was insufficient to meet his entire surgery cost, Jayanti Memorial trust donated him one free heart valves along with additional financial sponsorship. He has been discharged and pledges to take special care of his heart by quitting smoking, consumption of alcohol, taking his medicine on time and getting regular check- up.
JMT will be meeting Tika Ram next year at the camp, when he will come for follow up. With this humble effort we hope to ease his financial burden of travelling to Kathmandu for follow up.
