Malda: An 18-year-old porter from Malda has pleaded for euthanasia as he is apparently unable to bear the expense of his treatment for a surgery in his legs that have been paralyzed following a fracture in his spinal cord. His mother has also asked for her own mercy death as she believes that there is no reason for her to live if her son dies.
The pleas triggered much debate within the district administration but nothing has reportedly been done for the family so far.
Suman Das (18), from Kanchantar under the English Bazar police station, took up the responsibility of his mother and younger brother a year ago, after his father's death.
In order to support his family, Das took up the job of a porter. While unloading a truck at Harishchandrapur on October 10, a heavy bag fell on his back breaking his spinal cord.
Das was taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital where he was advised a complex and expensive operation, which could not be carried out there.
The doctors suggested that he should visit Bangalore. For the poor family, it was a bolt from the blue as the expense for the surgery was beyond their capacity. To fund the surgery, his neighbours collected some money and a huge sum was also borrowed. Finally, the operation was carried out for which Rs 1.5 lakh was spent.
Though the operation fixed Das's spinal cord, he lost his ability to walk. He became completely bed-ridden, unable to walk. Doctors have suggested another operation to bring back the functions of his legs, which will cost the family further more.
Unable to bear the economic pressure, Saraswati Das, Suman's mother, was forced to send her 14-year old minor son to Jharkhand to work as a labourer.
On January 4, Das wrote a letter to the district magistrate, Sharad Dwibedi, asking him to allow him to end his life. His mother also followed suit. Saraswati wrote, "What will he do? We have no means to treat him. He is only 19 now. If I die, who will look after him? I, too, support his wish to die and will end my life as well."
Local gram panchayat member Sorojini Roy sympathized with the family.
"They are in dire straits. We helped them according to our capacity. But the condition has worsened and that might have led them to seek permission for euthanasia," she said. Dwibedi said, "I've come to know about the incident and asked the block officials to visit the family. We have a number of schemes for the treatment of the poor. There is no question of giving permission for euthanasia."
Failed to meet the huge expense of his treatment, youth seeks permission of end his life. His mother too wants the permission of euthanasia as she finds no reason to live. Sensation was created in district administration with this application although nothing was done so far for the family.
18 years old Suman Das had to take up the responsibility of his family with his widow mother and minor brother as
poverty had shown its worst facet after the demise of his father one year back. No wonder, with little education Suman did not get any better job than that of a porter. But while unloading a lorry at Harishchandrapur on 10
th October last year, suddenly a heavy bag fell on his back which had eventually broken his spinal cord.
Taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital, Suman was advised to have an operation which is much expensive and that too could not be done there. The doctors suggested him go to Bangalore. For the poor family this was a bolt from the blue as the expense was beyond their estimation. The villagers of Kanchantar under English Bazaar Police Station approached with help and a good amount of money was borrowed as well. Finally the operation was done spending Rs 1.5 lakh which has drained the family.
However, the operation might have cured his spinal cord but his legs became paralysed and he could not stand on his feet afterwards. Presently Suman lies bed ridden and cannot move for any need. He has to be fed and be relieved by others. Doctors suggested further operation to cure his legs which would involve further expense.
Mother Saraswati Das could not stop her younger son who is only 14 years old to go to Jharkhand as labourer as that is the only source of sustenance of the family.
On 4th Januray, Suman wrote a letter to District Magistrate describing his condition and stated that fed up with his life he wanted to end his life. his mother Sarswati too sought the permission of euthanasia, "What will he do? We have no means to treat him. He is only 19 now. If I die who will look after him? I too support his wish to die and will end my life too", tear rolled down from her cheeks.
Local gram panchayet member Sorojini Roy too conceded the family's condition, "They are in a dire strait. We helped them as per our capacity. But the condition is worst which might have led them to seeking permission of euthanasia."
District Magistrate Sharad Dwibedi, while talking to TOI said, "I've come to know about the incident just today and asked the block officials to visit the family. We have number of schemes for the treatment for poor and we can extend our hands to this case as well. There is no question of giving permission for euthanasia."