Exploring the back roads (and non-roads) of Kerala

I have been slacking today. We actually got back before dark.

Today we have been visiting a number of people in the area who we help with a small regular payment. Most older people (over 60) qualify for a pension which is actually paid, but it is low (just GBP16 a month) and if they need to buy medicines regularly they may be faced with the choice of medicines or food. So even a few pounds a month can make all the difference. Visiting them is quite an adventure, bouncing along narrow lanes that were last resurfaced (if ever) in the days of the Raj in an autorickshaw that seems to have broken bedsprings for a suspension, and frequently traversing even narrower footpaths on foot. All good fun.

And to add to the fun we were joined by Usha, an asha (community health worker) who we have worked with before, and who would introduce us to some other needy people that we are hoping to add to the list of beneficieries of your generosity. And there were others who needed a one-off payment to help with various medical bills. A good dozen in total. Visiting them in their homes is vital – it gives a good idea of their ability to pay (or, more often, inability to do so).

Dommayanthi

One that illustrated just what GBP10 a month will do is Dommayanthi, a woman with Parkinsons disease. She is poor – she lives in a mud brick house with her daughter. She has been prescribed medication to control her condition, which she has to take twice a day. That would cost her entire pension, leaving her nothing to live on. So she compromises on having just one dose a day, which does not produce the desired effect. We have promised her an additional GBP10 a month, which will mean that she can have the proper amount of medication.

Chelama

Another memorable lady who we have helped for some time is Chelama. She holds the record as the oldest person that we help – she says 112! It may even be true, as she has outlived her son-in-law and grand-daughter. Just GBP5 a month means that she is able to afford the medication that controls her blood pressure. We have a lifetime commitment to her – and are wondering what that means! She attributes her long life to her daughter’s care of her.

Remani 

Sometimes the need is for a one-off contribution.  Remani had one half of her hip replaced last year, but the other half now also needs replacement.  There will be a charge, probably about GBP250, but the family cannot afford this.  We were able to give her the cost of getting to the hospital for a pre-op consultation, and have promised that we will make a significant conribution once the full cost is known.

Finally Raseela has stomach cancer, something that is usually curable with the proper treatment. An operation will be provided, but she will need to pay for six boxes of Reli Citabine at GBP13 a box, something that the family cannot afford. I was happy to contribute GBP40; I am sure that they will find the rest somehow.

There were many more, but you get the picture …