Mysterious Illness Leaves Nuapada Mason Bedridden; Family Appeals for Government Assistance

Komna, June 20 A 32-year-old mason from Dharmapur village under Tarbod Gram Panchayat in Komna Block of Nuapada district has been left bedridden due to a prolonged and unidentified illness, pushing his family into severe financial distress. The family has appealed to the government for urgent medical and financial assistance. According to reports, Jaylal Kharsel (32), the sole earning member of his family, has been suffering from a serious ailment affecting his left leg for the past several years. Despite undergoing treatment at multiple hospitals and spending all available resources, his condition has not improved. Jaylal lives with his wife Jema Kharsel (27) and their two sons, Rajendra (8) and Digambar (5). He earned his livelihood as a mason and supported his family through daily labor work. The health crisis began in November 2021, when a wound developed on the big toe of his left foot. He initially sought treatment at the Tarbod Primary Health Centre and later at the District Headquarters Hospital. As his condition failed to improve, he was admitted to Thomas Hospital, Khariar Road, where doctors amputated the affected toe. Following the surgery, he recovered and resumed work. Due to a lack of employment opportunities in the area, Jaylal later migrated to Tamil Nadu for work as a mason. However, in December 2025, another wound appeared on a different toe of the same foot. The affected toe was amputated at the District Headquarters Hospital on April 3, 2026. Despite the surgeries, the infection reportedly spread further, reaching up to his knee and rendering his left leg almost completely immobile. He subsequently received treatment at Goras Hospital, Nuapada, and later at a private hospital in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, but without significant improvement. Today, Jaylal is unable to walk or work, leaving the family without a source of income. His wife is struggling to care for her husband and two young children. The family now survives largely on the 20 kilograms of rice provided through the ration card scheme. Family members stated that they have already mortgaged their land, gold ornaments, and household utensils to bear the mounting medical expenses. With no savings left, even arranging daily meals has become a challenge. Given their poor economic condition, the family has requested the government to provide financial aid, disability pension, and advanced medical treatment so that Jaylal can receive proper healthcare and the family can overcome its current hardship.