‘How will I pay for my treatment?’

SHITANSHO: Doctors told me that I might be suffering from cancer but I had to undergo several tests to confirm that. . So, I went to St Stephen’s Hospital and showed them all my documents. But they said that it is a private hospital and they will charge for such tests.
They said that if they allow me, many such EWS patients will start demanding free treatments from private hospitals. We also showed an application by a lawyer at the hospital but they found it of no use. They said that they could only make me talk to a doctor and get a check-up done, but I will have to pay for the treatment.
— As told to Shruti Das

KIRAN: I have kidney stones and in my urinary tract. I was told that if this is not treated soon, my kidney will be damaged.
I recently went to St Stephen’s Hospital for treatment, where I got to know that they can only provide a free check-up and I will have to pay for the operation. We had all the documents — our Aadhaar and BPL (Below poverty level) cards. We also showed them an application from a lawyer, but still they did not allow. They even said that lawyers should do their own work and not interfere with theirs..
My husband also had an operation recently. He earns Rs 10,000 a month and we have three children – two girls and a boy. His earnings are not enough for a costly treatment like this. We barely manage. How should I pay for my treatment?
All I want is to get treated soon because I am in a lot of pain. I have been suffering for a year now but no one pays a heed.
— As told to Shruti Das