TBM patient urges UNHCR for fast-track resettlement (Resettlement)

Kathmandu, January 20: Basanti Biswa, 21, diagnosed as a TBM (Tubercular Meningitis) patient has urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) to prioritize her case for early resettlement, which she says would help get better medical treatment.

Basanti, a temporary resident of Beldangi-II extension under Sector C/2-51, who was initially admitted to Koshi Zonal Hospital, Biratnagar in November 2008, was later referred to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.

Medical doctors involved in the treatment of Basanti at the Teaching Hospital informed BNS that she was diagnosed as having TBM with sequel and Loa Loa infection in her right eye.

Nirmal, Basanti's brother told BNS that despite operation of her right eye at the Eye Hospital in Tripureshor, Kathmandu, the vision is still low. "She (Basanti) hardly sees anything", added Nirmal.  

The operation of her eye was done by Dr. Sagun Narayan Joshi, who was involved even in the eye-operation of Nepalese President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav few days prior to Basanti did.

A team of neurologist at the Teaching Hospital led by Prof. Dr. JP Agrawal has advised Basanti of regular medications, physiotherapy and other necessary follow-ups at the better medical centres.

Nirmal quoted the medical doctors at the hospital as saying that the complete cure of her sister, Basanti, in Nepal was impossible. "Doctors told us that my sister's complete cure was possible if we become able to give her treatment at better hospitals abroad", said Nirmal.

"We like to seek the help of UNHCR office in Nepal to speed-up our case for third country resettlement so that my young daughter would regain her life", said her mother, who was escorting Basanti for treatment at the Teaching Hospital. 

Admitted on January 8, 2009, Basanti, who was discharged from the Teaching Hospital after six days, said she has a low-vision, facial deviation among other major disorders.

Giving a reference to the news story published by The Bhutan Reporter on its December edition entitled 'Resettlement in Netherlands benefits sick, disabled exiled Bhutanese', Nirmal said "we urge the UNHCR to look for possibilities to push our family for early resettlement, and in a country where medical treatment is better and easily assessable to refugees." 

A permanent resident of Samtse district while in Bhutan, Basanti is undergoing her Bachelor's degree in Commerce—now halted due to physical sickness. Bhutan News Service