Page 105 - ACCF - Stories of Resilience

to notice him, tested his patience. After fasting from dawn until late afternoon, he finally met the doctor, who confirmed the
diagnosis: cancer. Further tests were needed to determine the severity, but first, the nurse handed him a bill for ₹9,400.

Arjun’s heart sank. “I have only ₹2,000,” he stammered. “What should I do now?” Desperate, he pleaded with the billing
manager, explaining his dire situation. Moved by his plight, the manager assured him that the hospital would cover the
expenses through its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) fund.

But the troubles didn’t end there. Arjun and Meera had already spent over ₹40,000 on various treatments, borrowing from
friends and relatives. Despite their sacrifices, they were barely scraping by. The doctor recommended chemotherapy and
radiation, treatments far beyond their means.
THE STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE

With no other choice, Meera began working as a daily wage laborer, earning a scant ₹300 to ₹400 a day. Her work was uncertain—
some days she earned enough for treatment, while on others, they struggled to afford food. Their son, who had left the village
years ago, was unable to help, leaving the elderly couple to fend for themselves.
As Arjun’s condition deteriorated, the hospital repeatedly called, urging him to return for treatment. But without money for
transportation, they felt trapped. Meera would have to skip a day’s work, and even then, they lacked the funds to make the
journey.

A LIFELINE OF COMPASSION
That’s when the hospital’s Community Outreach Program (COP) team stepped in. They made a follow-up call to understand
why Arjun had stopped coming for treatment. Initially, it seemed like just another routine inquiry. But when they heard his
story, their hearts sank.
The team learned that Arjun lived in a forest village far from the main road, where transportation was both rare and expensive.
He had borrowed money from everyone he could, leaving no resources for further travel. The COP team knew they had to act.

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