A Tragic Loss
Avijot, an eight-year-old resident of Punjab, recently passed away after a battle with Nephrotic Syndrome, a debilitating kidney condition. This illness
necessitated consistent and expensive medical care, with treatments costing around Rs 45,000 every two months. The young boy’s family faced profound financial difficulties, especially after the devastating Punjab floods destroyed their farmland, which was their sole means of income. The impact of the floods was significant, as it not only disrupted access to essential supplies but also severely hindered Avijot’s regular medical treatments, which required frequent visits to the PGIMER hospital in Chandigarh.
Support and Promises
Following the public disclosure of Avijot's story, support from notable figures came swiftly. Actor Sonu Sood, well-known for his humanitarian efforts, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann both offered to assist with his treatment. Sood had personally met Avijot during a visit to Punjab where he was assisting in the flood relief efforts, and he committed to supporting the child's medical needs. Sood also took to social media to express his dedication to the young boy, sharing images and ensuring the family that he would take care of them. In his message, Sood expressed his commitment to ensuring the floods did not hinder Avijot's treatment.
Challenges and Floods
The monsoon floods in Punjab further complicated Avijot's condition. These floods not only made it difficult to obtain basic necessities but also severely interrupted his medical care. His village in Amritsar experienced significant submersion, forcing residents to navigate floodwaters to acquire essential items. This disruption rendered it nearly impossible for the family to travel for the required medical treatments. The floods highlighted the vulnerability of the family, as they also faced challenges such as not being able to reach the other side of the village to obtain medicines, as reported by _NDTV_. These difficult circumstances underscore the struggle Avijot and his family endured while battling the illness.
Hopes and Reality
Avijot's family held onto hope. Before his death, the boy’s father voiced optimism, noting that doctors believed his son could recover with consistent treatment, potentially by the time he turned 18. Despite the efforts of Sood, Mann, and the medical team, and despite the family's unwavering hope, Avijot's condition worsened. Sadly, he was unable to overcome the crisis, and his life was tragically cut short. The loss of Avijot is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of health challenges and the profound impact that environmental disasters can have on vulnerable communities.
