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

Lakshmidhar Baliarsingh, a resident of Gedia Palli Patana village under Bolagarh block in Khordhadistrict, has been confined to his bed for the past six years, leaving his family grappling with immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Once the pillar of his household, Lakshmidhar supported his family by working at a local college. Those were days filled with togetherness and happiness.

However, life took a tragic turn on July 7, 2019, when Lakshmidhar met with a severe accident while returning home. Initially referred between hospitals, Lakshmidhar eventually underwent surgery on doctors’ advice. Though there was some initial improvement, his condition gradually worsened. Subsequent surgery provided no lasting relief, and doctors advised further operations. Since then, he has remained bedridden, reliant on constant care.

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"I was returning from the college in the evening, I met an accident with a cow. When I got back my sense after two hours, I felt that I have lost my legs. My four hands and legs were damaged. According to doctors, had I provided the surgery within 48 hours, I would have completely recovered within six months. But surgery was made after six days. After two years of surgery, I felt ache in my lower belly. The pain was unbearable. I went to the same doctor and he advised me for ultrasound. Subsequently, gallbladder stone was found that had already burst. The doctor was forced to make another surgery. Following the development, the recovery was reversed," rued Lakshmidhar.

Lakshmidhar’s prolonged illness has placed an enormous financial burden on the family. He requires monthly medicines costing Rs 12,000, while daily physiotherapy sessions add Rs 500 per day-a cost that is nearly impossible for the family to sustain.

Neighbours recall that the family was once considered prosperous, but the family’s resources have been exhausted in pursuit of his son’s medical care. Despite these hardships, Lakshmidhar’s father- Nabakishore continues to persevere, opening a small shop to support the household while ensuring his son receives treatment.

The emotional toll is equally heavy. Lakshmidhar’s mother, who once celebrated daily moments of joy with her family, is often found in tears at her son’s bedside. His wife and the entire family is enveloped in sorrow.

Speaking about the ordeal, Lakshmidhar’s father expressed constant worry for his son’s recovery and the well-being of his grandchildren. 

"I have sold 8 acres of land, spent four-five LIC policy amounts and sold some gold for my son's treatment. So far Rs 90-92 lakh has been spent in the treatment. I don't have any land anymore. I have to take care of his two sons as well. We have to spend Rs 25,000 per month towards physiotherapy and medicines. I am helpless now," said Lakshmidhar’s father Nabakishore.

If anybody is interested to extend helping hands to the family going through severe ordeals, he/she may contact- 6372303550.