A heart-rending story of struggle and survival has emerged from Banamalipur village under Korei block in Odisha’s Jajpur district, where a family is facing severe hardship after its sole breadwinner was diagnosed with blood cancer and became bedridden.

Prakash Kumar Mallik, who once lived a happy life with his wife Manjulata, two daughters, and elderly parents, is now battling a severe illness that has pushed the family into emotional and financial turmoil. Earlier, Prakash used to stay in Keonjhar and earned a livelihood through a sapling business, supporting his entire family.

According to family members, Prakash suddenly experienced unbearable pain in his waist one night and became unable to sit or stand properly. Despite initial treatment and consultations with doctors, his condition did not improve. After a series of medical examinations, he was diagnosed with blood cancer.

Following the diagnosis, Prakash became unable to work, leaving the six-member family without a source of income. In an attempt to save him, the family sought treatment at hospitals in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Jajpur. However, the prolonged treatment exhausted all their savings. They were eventually forced to sell land and other property to continue his medical care. The assistance available through the government health card has also reportedly been exhausted.

Now confined to his home and enduring constant pain, Prakash’s condition has left the family in despair. His wife Manjulata is struggling to manage household expenses, her husband’s treatment, the care of her elderly in-laws, and the education of their two young daughters.

Though neighbours, relatives, and well-wishers have extended support, the help has not been enough to meet mounting medical expenses. With daily survival itself becoming a challenge, locals and family members have appealed to the government for financial assistance to ensure Prakash’s continued treatment.

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Meanwhile, the District Chief Medical Officer Bijay Kumar Mishra stated that Prakash’s health card would be renewed. On the other hand, the Korei Block Development Officer (BDO) Abanikanta Sahu has assured that discussions would be held with the District Collector to provide government support to the family. 

If you wish to extend any support to this family, please note down their details:

Name: Prakash Kumar Mallik
Village: Banamalipur
Post: Bada Biruha
Block: Korei
District: Jajpur
Mobile Number: 8456810277