BAJURA, MAY 3
Prashad BK, a lung cancer patient from Badimalika Municipality 9 in Bajura, is facing hardship in continuing his cancer treatment due to financial constraints. He is currently receiving treatment at the Suresh Wagle Memorial Cancer Hospital, under the Maharajgunj Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.
Although the doctors advised Prashad to begin chemotherapy two days ago, they have not started the treatment due to a lack of funds, his son Harka BK lamented. He said that they are unable to afford the minimum required amount of NPR 15,000 for a single session of chemotherapy.
Prashad requires at least 10 sessions of chemotherapy, according to the hospital. They are waiting for the municipality's recommendation for eligibility to receive the financial subsidy as per the Poor Citizens Medical Treatment Program (Bipanna Nagarik Ausadhi Upachar Karyakram), which may take some time while struggling to arrange for the required funds.
Prashad, who works as an office assistant on a contract basis, underwent lung surgery one week ago with some help from the municipality. Prashad, who has been bedridden for the last three months, has already spent over Rs. 170,000 on treatment. However, the family has exhausted all their resources and is worried about how to continue his father's treatment without any funds. "The cost of the treatment and food for one year is estimated to be over NPR 200,000," he said.
Prashad was referred to Byalpata Hospital in Achham after the District Hospital in Bajura was unable to treat him. Byalpata referred him to Seti Provincial Hospital in Dhangadhi as well. He was later referred to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, when the disease was not recognized at Seti Hospital as well. It was determined that he had cancer at his check-up there.
