Lockdown makes 60 years old sick lady & her 7 years old nephew homeless, Ujjawala provides shelter
কোয়ারান্টাইন থেকে বেরিয়েই বদরপুরের বৃদ্ধার প্রশ্ন, কোথায় যাব? হোমে পাঠাল প্রশাসন

May 03: The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown from 25 March was perhaps the only plausible way in order to break the deadly chain. Except essential services, every other facilities were put on hold. But at the same time, many people got stranded outside their home town/ district/ village/ state as all means of communication was also cancelled. The worst sufferers were those who went in different parts for treatment purpose. One such tragic incident occurred with a 60-year old lady and her 7-year old nephew from Badarpur.

Kalima Begum, aged 60 was suffering from lungs related disease. Being a resident of Badarpur, she went for check up over there, but as there was no improvement in her condition, she was asked by the physicians there to consult specialists at Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH). However, her financial condition was not so sound and so she was delaying the medical trip to SMCH. Moreover, there were none who could accompany the old lady to Silchar.

Finally, when her health problem became acute, she decided to come over to SMCH for treatment. Finally, she could manage her 7 years old nephew to accompany her. Both of them came to SMCH in mid March where after check-up, she was admitted by the doctors. Within a few days, the lady got respite from his illness and she was ready for discharge. However, by then lockdown was declared and moreover, SMCH was converted exclusively for  COVID-19 patients.

The old lady and her nephew as they travelled from Badarpur to Silchar were sent for institutional quarantine at NATRIP in Jhapirband. There she was kept under quarantine along with her 7 years nephew for 28 days. Their swab test results also were negative. But when they were discharged early this week from quarantine, it was not possible her to enroll for inter-district travel. Moreover, the lady had no acquaintances at Silchar or money with her to manage her stay over here. Being homeless, the lady was helpless.

It was then that District Social Welfare Officer, Cachar and Circle Officer of Sonai stood besides the lady and her nephew and informed the matter to Barak Valley Welfare Development Society (BVWDS), Silchar, who runs the UJJAWALA Shelter Home for women and Open Shelter Home for Boys. It was then that the members of BVWDS brought them at Ujjawala Shelter Home, Silchar. There at the shelter home, the lady and her nephew were provided a roof over their head. They were also given food and clothes. However, as per protocol of Ministry of Womens and Child Development, Govt. of India, they were put under 14 days quarantine.

Barak Valley Welfare Development Society has expressed satisfaction for being able to help the distressed persons. It is not for the 1st time that the Society is helping the needy, but in this lockdown phase, they have constantly helped people who are in need.