AN OCEAN IN THE DROP

In the midst of a heartbreaking struggle, Kiran, a mother from Delhi, vividly recalls the agonizing months when her 16-year-old son, Tushar, battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). With only 50 thousand rupees in her account and a mere 24 hours left, Kiran fought desperately to save her son’s life.
Tushar’s diagnosis came at a government hospital in Delhi, where the family learned that premier institutes in the city lacked available beds or the expertise to treat his condition. The urgency was clear—immediate treatment was crucial to prevent his deteriorating health. However, Kiran, a small beauty parlor owner, and her husband, an auto-rickshaw driver, had already depleted their savings, spending nearly a lakh of rupees on investigations and initial treatments.
Dr. Dinesh Bhurani, the Director of Haemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, explained the challenges they faced. Tushar arrived at the hospital extremely sick, making it unfeasible to begin chemotherapy right away due to his fever and severe infection. The parents were nearly penniless, and the hospital had to provide care for both Tushar’s medical needs and their dire financial situation. The burden of cancer is overwhelming on its own, but the lack of resources to afford treatment can be devastating for families.
Fortunately, Dr. Narendra Agrawal, Tushar’s treating doctor and a colleague of Dr. Bhurani, recommended his case to the hospital. As a result, Tushar was granted a free bed, which included various cost-free facilities such as doctor consultations, conventional surgeries, and discounted lab and radiology investigations. For 20 days, Tushar received this invaluable support while receiving antibiotics and small doses of chemotherapy. It was just the beginning of a long journey, but the family finally found some respite and a temporary shelter amidst the storm.
Rakesh Chopra, the Chairman of the hospital, emphasized the profound philanthropic vision that guided its establishment. The hospital’s origins were rooted in the desire to aid the needy and those who had to travel to Bombay for treatment. Through the contributions of institutional benefactors and countless ordinary individuals, the hospital was built from the ground up. It became their duty to not only treat patients but also to care for the underprivileged—a debt repayment to the founders and a testament to their core values.
Mr. Mehta, the driving force behind the hospital’s philanthropic spirit, had no personal wealth. Despite loans, debts, and salaries to be repaid, from the hospital’s inception in 1996, five out of every hundred patients were to be treated free of cost. Additionally, the home care program was offered without charge, and concessions were provided whenever possible. The general OPD was heavily subsidized, with a nominal fee of 5 rupees on select days for those who couldn’t afford regular payments. Dr. AK Dewan, the Director of Surgical Oncology, reminisced about Mr. Mehta’s unwritten policy: never turn away anyone seeking help empty-handed. These principles were embraced by the hospital staff, and even after two and a half decades, they remain integral to its operation.
Recognizing the changing times, the Department of Philanthropic Services was formally established in 2019 to assess the financial status of patients. They understood that in cancer, time is of the essence, and waiting for funds from government relief programs was not always feasible. To address this, the hospital introduced the Inhouse Patient Support Scheme, providing immediate relief by enabling patients to undergo surgeries without delay. The scheme covered expenses up to 5 lakh rupees, including free tests, bedside procedures, and waived doctor’s fees. The aim was to alleviate the immediate financial strain and encourage patients to focus solely on their treatment.
As Kiran looks back on Tushar’s journey, she realizes the immense impact of these philanthropic efforts. The timely support, the compassionate care, and the selfless contributions of individuals she may never meet have given her son a fighting chance. Kiran is grateful not only for the medical treatment Tushar received but also for the hope that emerged from the darkest hours.
The story of Tushar and Kiran is just one among many. It serves as a reminder of the inherent goodness that exists in humanity, where empathy and compassion can transform lives. In the face of adversity, organizations and individuals come together, determined to alleviate suffering and provide solace to those in need. Cancer may test the limits of human strength, but the collective spirit of humanity shines through, offering support and helping families like Kiran’s find a glimmer of hope amidst the storm.