At a time when complaints against government doctors are common, here is a doctor who gives free medicines, food and even a monthly supply of groceries to poor patients diagnosed with tuberculosis.
District Tuberculosis Control Officer Sanath Kumar G.K. does not provide for them out of government funds. He sets aside a sum from his salary and collects funds from Health Department employees, friends and relatives.
Dr. Kumar started the service in April 2014, when he saw poor patients dropping out halfway through their treatment because they were unable to get nutritious food required for recovery, ultimately ending up with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The entire family suffers if a member is diagnosed with tuberculosis, Dr. Kumar said.
The patients are given iron and multi-vitamin supplements to improve their health. At present, 15 families are being provided with groceries, and 25 patients with supplements, which cost Rs. 250 a month per patient. Some patients have been adopted by doctors and health workers employed in the taluk government hospitals at Dr. Kumar’s request.
Second year PU student Mamatha, who is being treated for MDR-TB, told The Hindu, “My mother and I are being provided monthly supply of groceries. This has eased our financial burden and also helps me continue studies.”
Dr. Kumar feels the initiative has helped poor patients take medicines regularly. He plans to request the Karnataka Milk Federation to provide powdered milk to tuberculosis patients.
Dr. Sanath Kumar gives free medicines, groceries to financially-backward tuberculosis patients