Heart patient seeks financial support

Kathmandu, February 4: Sabitri Gurung, 21, a temporary resident of Beldangi-II extension under Sector A/4-44 has appealed aid agencies, Bhutanese organizations, Bhutanese living abroad and individuals for financial support to undergo her heart surgery. 

Gurung said that one among three of the infected Aortic valves have to be replaced as per the suggestions from medical doctors at the Kathmandu-based Ganga Lal Heart Centre.

Gurung further informed Bhutan News Service (BNS) quoting doctors at the Centre as saying that the Aortic valvular replacement was possible with minimum cash amounting to one hundred sixty thousands Nepalese rupees.  

Gurung, who was referred to the Centre by Asian Medical Doctor’s Association (AMDA) two months back, said she couldn’t collect any amount despite repeated appeals to different organizations including the UNHCR.

“It’s been two months that I am here in Kathmandu for my heart surgery but to no avail. Now I am losing hope to regain my life again as doctors say the surgery has to be undergone within a couple of months to prevent from unexpected accident”, said Gurung, urging BNS to help take initiative to press different organizations for support to undergo heart surgery.

Gurung, who stopped her further education after passing School Leaving Certificate, said she was even ready to opt for the option of third country resettlement if her treatment is possible.

“One of my senior brothers who went to India as laborer to earn money for my treatment passed away in Sikkim on 27 November 2007. My aged father is a patient of paralysis”, said Gurung, adding there is no one having even a bit of income sources to support her for treatment. Gurung repeatedly appealed Bhutanese living abroad to help extend financial support to undergo the surgery. 

“I want to begin a new life and do something for my country”, added Gurung.

Gurung is a permanent resident of Sarpang district under Taklai block while in Bhutan. T.P. Mishra/Bhutan News Service