HYDERABAD:A 6-year-old boy, Gagandeep, of Secunderabad, who is suffering from blood cancer, has received offer of help from an unexpected quarter: excise and prohibition minister T Padma Rao.
Rao, who visited the boy at Basavatarakam Cancer Hospital here on Thursday, promised to bear the entire cost of the boy’s treatment until he recovers completely.
The doctors, who examined the medical reports of the boy, have estimated the cost of treatment at around Rs 8 lakh, and suggested that treatment be taken at least for six months and regular medication for two years. But the cost is beyond the financial capacity of the boy’s father, Veeru, an autorickshaw driver, who hardly earns Rs 6,000 a month.
On learning of the condition of Gagan from some of his relatives who are TRS party workers, the minister offered support to the family and promised financial assistance from the state government. “I will try to get around Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. I will meet the chief minister and request him for a quick sanction of the money. To cover the rest of the expenses, either I will mobilise it from other sources or pay it from my pocket,” he said.
When the family members said the boy needed platelets from donors, the minister asked the hospital management to make all necessary arrangements. He also assured the boy’s family that they can approach him whenever they needed help.
Gagan is a resident of Warasiguda in Secunderabad. He has been diagnosed with blood cancer and admitted to the hospital recently. Doctors say the chances of his recovery will be bright if the treatment is started immediately. “The cancer is still in the early stages. With regular treatment and proper medication, it can be cured by 80 pc,” said Dr Satyanarayana, special superintendent of the hospital.