RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, Dec.26: The mother of a Veer Chakra recipient has been left helpless by the Jharkhand government.
The situation was brought to light when Mukesh Kumar, president of the Veterans’ Organization of Jharkhand, arrived to save the mother of the hero after learning of her precarious state. He made the CO of the 9 Bihar Regiment, which Brito Kido, the recipient of the Veer Chakra, was a part of, aware of the situation.
The CO deputed a constable of the regiment, Dilip Oraon, for the help of the lady Bernedette Kido having status of God in the regiment for supreme sacrifice of her son in Jaffna during ‘Operation Pawan’ launched by Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1989 in Sri Lanka.
Kumar confirmed the fact saying before the 9 Bihar Regiment CO extended his help, the mother of the Veer Chakra recipient was treated like an ordinary citizen.
“Health Point, where she was admitted on December 21, treated her like an ordinary patient and gave no concession in the bill. In three days the bill amount rose to Rs 1.30 lakh. After the interference of the CO when she was referred to Bhagwan Mahavir Medica Super Specialty Hospital no concession was given on ambulance charge. Medica charged Rs 5500 for ambulance service though the distance between Health Point and Medica is hardly 2KM,” Kumar said.
Kumar also expressed concern over the poor response of Simdega MLA Bhushan Bara.
“The Veer Chakra recipient was a native of Simdega. When his mother came from the district, I called local MLA Bara for help explaining the entire situation. I asked him to at least give a call for help but till date he did not even turn up to ask for her welfare,” Kumar said.
Kumar on the occasion also expressed his concern over the functioning of Sainik Kalyan Nideshalaya.
“The situation would have not come if Sainik Kalyan Nideshalaya had created awareness regarding health cards. Family of the Veer Chakra recipient had an old card, which expired in November this year. No step was taken to ensure that the Veer Chakra recipient possesses the proper card to get treatment on time. If CO had not interfered, it would have been difficult for the lady to get proper treatment,” he said.
Ashok Jha, who has given shelter to Veer Chakra recipient’s father Karlus Kido (90) at his house, said that Bipin Kido, the lady’s second son, who is a daily wage labourer, appeared helpless when hospital was talking about bill and he had not amount to pay.
Brito Kido was awarded posthumously by the then president Dr Shanker Dayal Sharma. Her mother who is ailing now has received the award.
