Medical treatment becomes a blessed reality for Loganayakan - #putchildrenfirst

In Chennai, India, a poor mother came to an SOS Medical Centre with a child in a frightening state of health: eight-year-old Loganayakan, who was unable to breathe easily and appeared very anemic. His mother, a daily wage earner who does odd jobs to provide for her family, had been unable to afford treatment when the boy had first complained of severe chest pain a few months back. Slowly, his health began to deteriorate, until he urgently needed treatment.

Medical treatment is often unavailable to India’s children, two million of whom die every year from preventable diseases. According to the World Health Organization, 56 out of every 1000 children born die before the age of five, and the life expectancy at birth is only 66 years. Rural populations are especially at risk, since they are isolated and less able to get to medical centres.

At the centre, Loganayakan was diagnosed with primary complex – initial stages of pneumonic disease. Immediately, tests were carried out and regular medication was given. Every week, he was examined and his progress recorded. Gradually, he started to improve and was eventually able to go to school consistently.

His mother is thankful to see her son getting healthier and smiling again. She also feels relieved because the treatment was done at a nominal charge and the entire follow-up medication was free of cost. “With my little income it was impossible for me to buy expensive medicines. I am extremely thankful to SOS for their support, else I would have lost my son.”

As there are no major health centres nearby, the SOS Medical Centre provides integrated curative and preventative health care to the marginalised rural communities living near Chennai, with a population of approximately 25,000 people. “The medical centre is a blessing for poor people like me who cannot afford expensive health treatments,” Loganayakan’s mother remarks with a smile.

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