The condition of Saalumarada Thimmakka, who was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Jayanagar on Tuesday September 11, is improving.
We have just returned from meeting with Saalumarada Thimmakka. I do not know why, our eyes are filled with tears. I wonder whether this is the same Saalumarada Thimmakka whom I met four years back Near Gandhi statue in MG Road who had then asked me, ” dear where is the press club? I want to tell something to the government”. I could not believe because she has become so weak physically and her voice has also become so soft. However, doctors assured us that she will be fine.
We reached Apollo hospital in Jayanagar beating heavy traffic. When we asked for Saalumarada Thimmakka they said, “room number 3013” but no one is allowed to meet her without the permission of higher officials. Thanks to Dr Umesh who saw ‘Namma Balaga’ and said “sir you can be with her only for ten minutes”.
We had decided not to talk to her as she is suffering from a serious breathing problem. But when she saw us she said “all are taking good care of me”. As usual she said “your family will be better” after seeing my hand. In those ten minutes of interaction she never said “please help me” . Instead, seh said, “Poor people will be safe and fine right if this kind of hospital is established in our place”.
This lady who has planted 400 trees worth 4 crores on the Nelamangala-Hassan highway for the sake of society, is getting only monthly Rs 400. She lost her husband at the age of 91 and now there is no one in the hospital even relatives or daughters to look after her. Instead she is cared for by her adopted son. The Government which could spend crores of money on minister’s medical expense is not bothered about this great lady.
It is sad to know that she does’nt even have insurance in her name. Her financial condition has become worse. Ex Prime Minster Devegouda agreed to pay the medical expenses of her, when we met him while coming out of the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President G Parameshwara has asked Health Minister U.T. Khader to ensure that the expenses are borne by the State government.
Mr. Khader said, “In case of eminent personalities like Saalumarada Thimmakka, hospitals should bear the expenses. However, if they can’t, the State government will step in.”
