While Nikhil’s daughter has undergone one major surgery for cancer in her bone, several smaller ones need to be done in the coming months. And the cost of these plus the post-operative care will run into several lakhs of rupees.
Nikhil, a civil engineer from Kalyan in Thane, Maharashtra, has spent many sleepless nights swince his young daughter was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. With an annual income of around Rs 4 lakh, the nine-year-old’s father was wondering how he would pay for his daughter’s treatment which may run up to Rs 20 lakh. But the government’s demonetization move has unexpectedly brought him some respite.
Some people have lent a helping hand to Nikhil. “I have received a few calls offering me money. I don’t know these people but they said that they would give me money in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes,” he said.
Nikhil understands very well what is happening. Hospitals have been told by the government to accept the demonetized notes so that patients are not inconvenienced. While there are reports of some private hospitals not toeing this line, the one where his daughter is being treated is an exception.
But there is a problem — the people donating money have asked for receipts from the hospital.
“I will have to deposit the money in my account and then pay the hospital. But I am worried that I would be in trouble,” says Nikhil, referring to the announcement that any deposit above Rs2.5 lakh would come under scanner. Given the situation, hospitals too would not accept cash in big amounts.
While Nikhil’s daughter has undergone one major surgery for cancer in her bone, several smaller ones need to be done in the coming months. And the cost of these plus the post-operative care will run into several lakhs of rupees.
Worried about the possible implication of accepting large sums, he also knows that he cannot afford the luxury of refusing the donations. “I begged everyone for months to help me raise cash for my daughter’s treatment but no one came forward so far,” he shared. Bitter with this catch-22 situation, Nikhil complained that for the middle class there was nowhere to turn to in times of crisis.
*Name changed to protect identity
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