Page 16 - TB: The Ticking Time Bomb

“ I was a diamond worker and then worked as a security guard. I have TB since

two years. I took the treatment for nine months on alternate days. I continued to go
to work while the treatment was on. My wife too was ill, I have two kids, and our
economic condition was bad. I had become weak. Once blood came in my cough. I
was admitted to a hospital at least four to five times.

I have been unemployed because I don’t have any energy to work. I have spent more
than 1 lakh rupees for my treatment. I find it difficult to pay for my rent. My salary
was Rs 5,000 per month and I had to sell my house to pay back the loans I had taken
for my treatment. I had even felt like I had become a burden and wished for death.
But my wife and daughters stood by me and I feel better after seeking help from an
NGO.
” - Sangamesh Patel

“ Presently I am suffering with high resistant TB & since last 2 months I am at

home and the treatment is costing me more than Rs 10,000 per month. I am a 28-
year-old and an earning member of my family but since the last 2 months I am going
on without pay. I know how painful and how costly it is with long treatment. So I
pray to God that TB does not happen to anyone.
”
- - Lavin

“ I want to share my brother’s serious problem with you. He is 35 years old,

suffering with MDR TB. Treatment is going on but he is alone and depressed because
his father never supports him. He is a lyricist, he writes songs and stories. My father
is upset, because he doesn’t like this work. He only wants my brother to study hard
and do as he says. So, he never helps him in any condition, no moral support and no
financial help. My brother is really struggling and is fighting with his disease alone.
We two sisters are with him but we can’t do anything.
”
- - Sudeshna

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