‘While the CMO has responded positively in the case of Ramya's child, is this enough?’ ask villagers. They want regular health camps and free medicines.
Published Aug 27, 2024 | 6:00 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 27, 2024 | 6:29 PM
Officials visiting a family with a cerebral palsy affected child.
In a commendable move, the Officer on Special Duty to the Karnataka Chief Minister, Dr Vaishnavi K, has responded swiftly to the heart-wrenching story highlighted by South First about Ramya, a young mother from Halehalli, Chikkaballapura district, struggling to care for her four-year-old child with cerebral palsy.
The government’s intervention came after South First reported on the family’s dire circumstances, prompting health department officials to visit Ramya and assess her situation.
Following our report, health officials were dispatched to Halehalli to meet Ramya and understand the challenges faced by her family.
The officials conducted a comprehensive assessment of the child’s condition and promised to facilitate immediate medical support, including physiotherapy and access to essential medicines. Additionally, they assured Ramya of exploring options for financial aid to help cover the substantial costs incurred for her child’s treatment over the years.
Officials from the health department, gram panchayat and taluk officials who visited Ramya’s family noted that Vishwak had been diagnosed with Global developmental delay (GDD) with microcephaly, and spastic quadriparesis secondary Leigh’s disease along with microcephaly.
Parents have been advised to follow physiotherapy and the authorities have been asked to give a detailed report on the child’s condition. Also, the family has been assured of help.
Please note. https://t.co/k85yKNh8vD pic.twitter.com/RbYzmzXzth
— Office of the OSD to CM Karnataka (@osd_cmkarnataka) August 24, 2024
Ramya’s story is a poignant example of the challenges countless families face in rural Karnataka. While it is appreciated that the state government has taken note of this case, the villagers and people of Chikkaballapura district requested South First reporter that it would be helpful if the gram panchayat officials of this district, pay extra attention to the plight of disabled people.
Children with cerebral palsy evokes sympathy, though they need empathy more. But their parents’ plights are seldom seem.
Many families across Karnataka face similar struggles, navigating a complex and often inaccessible healthcare system while battling financial hardships.
Speaking to South First, Krishnappa V, a resident of Manchenahalli says, “I am happy the government is taking note but in gram panchayats of our district, the secretaries and ASHAs pay no heed to the plight of disabled. In Halehalli itself for the past four years, the 5 percent money that disabled people in that panchayat deserve has not been given. A ramp of a few metres has been put up and the secretary says all the money is spent and there is nothing left for wheelchairs or bikes!” grieves Krishnappa.
Meanwhile, another resident Mahesh Rao of Cheenenahalli of Halehalli gram panchayat says he has been waiting for the ₹5,000 that his father, a person with disability, has to get from the government for the last rites. “We had to take a loan and do the last rites of my father. Even that money they don’t give us. Every penny is usurped like this.” says the son.
While the government’s prompt response is a positive step, it is just the beginning of addressing a much larger issue.
Ramya’s story is not unique, the need for intervention in her case should serve as a wake-up call for the government to implement systematic changes that provide consistent support to families with special needs children.
To truly make a difference, the state government must go beyond immediate interventions and develop a sustainable framework that includes:
Financial aid programs: Establishing a dedicated fund to support families with children who have special needs, ensuring that financial aid is accessible without bureaucratic delays.
Healthcare accessibility: Enhancing healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, including regular visits by specialised health professionals and the availability of essential medicines and therapies.
Awareness and education: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate families about the available government schemes and how to access them, reducing the dependence on middlemen and cutting down on red tape.
Long-term support systems: Creating community support groups and helplines that offer emotional and psychological support to parents dealing with the stress and challenges of caring for children with special needs.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
