Sundara Malekudiya seeks Govt. help for bills

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 7, 2015: Tribal farmer Sundara Malekudiya, who is undergoing treatment for injury following a vicious attack four months ago at Neriya in Belthangady taluk, has asked the State government to clear his medical bill at the private hospital in the city.

The 48-year-old tribal farmer suffered grievous injury to his hands following an attack by land owner Gopala Gowda using a weed cutting machine in Neriya, 50 km away from Mangaluru, on July 27.

He lost part of his thumb, forefinger and had deep cut on the palm on the right hand. Malekudiya had multiple cut wounds on his left forearm as well.

After initial treatment at the Government Wenlock Hospital, he was moved to the A.J. Hospital for further treatment. He underwent two operations at the hospital and few rounds of physiotherapy during his stay in the hospital till October 11. Malekudiya said the expenses so far has come around Rs. 1.02 lakh. The State government has so far not cleared the bill.

“I feel embarrassed to continue taking services of the hospital when the bills have not been cleared,” said  Malekudiya, who finds it hard to move his hands. He needs to undergo physiotherapy sessions for a long term to get back normal hand movements. Malekudiya wants to undergo physiotherapy sessions at the same hospital.

Malekudiya said he got admitted at the A.J. Hospital for the physiotherapy. “Though I was assured of the services, I felt embarrassed over non-payment and returned home yesterday,” he said. A part of the compensation of Rs. 80,000 that had been paid by the State government in August has been spent towards family expenses, he added.

Medical Director of A.J. Hosptial Prashant Marla said there is no question of denying physiotherapy for Malekudiya for want of clearance of medical bill. “He can come to the hospital and undergo physiotherapy.” To come on a daily basis, Malekudiya said, he would incur expense of Rs.300. “I would be happy if I am admitted to the free ward in the private hospital,” he added. 

DK Deputy Commissioner Adoor.B. Ibrahim and District Social Welfare Officer Santosh Kumar assured of clearing  pending bills and meeting expenses.