Sunday Times 2
Schoolgirl’s life hangs in the balance: Needs blood transfusion in Mumbai
View(s):Life has been an excruciating struggle for Chalani Divumini. The battle between life and death emerged when she was an infant, and amidst an ocean of tears, the child’s poor parents continue to grapple with the twist of fate to save their daughter’s life.
Chalani underwent surgery for a congenital cardiac condition when she was just three months old. Since then, there was no looking back as she had to be admitted to the Madras Medical Mission (MMM), Chennai, from time to time for “surgical corrections and treatments”.
She was subsequently fitted with a cardio microphone for constant monitoring of her condition. According to cardiologists, she is suffering from a congenital heart disease diagnosed as “TOF, severe infundibular PS confluent PA”.
In Sri Lanka, medical specialists, who examined her when complications developed from time to time, recommended that treatment should continue at the Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases of the MMM in Chennai.
Chalani is now 11 and a bright student in school. It was in August 2018, the patient underwent “intra cardiac repair” at the same medical facility in Chennai, amidst a battle to raise funds for the surgery.
Since her return from hospital, she led a normal life. However, a cluster of blisters with patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough has now surfaced on one of her legs.
As the child’s condition aggravated with a big, painful pus filled wound making it difficult for her to walk, she was taken to a government hospital, where doctors diagnosed the condition as eczema.
However, against the backdrop of her cardiac condition, doctors were of the opinion that she should be referred to the medical facility in Chennai as the development could be linked to a blood or nervous disorder.
Dr. K. Sivakumar, Head, Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Institute of Cardio-Vascular Diseases, MMM in Chennai, wants Chalani admitted to Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai for a “blood transfusion as per dialysis system”.
The cost of the treatment has been estimated at Sri Lankan rupees one million, which includes the cost of air tickets from Colombo to Chennai and the onward journey to Mumbai and back, food, accommodation and incidental expenses.
Dr. Sivakumar had wanted Chalani to be brought to Chennai by April 20, but lack of funds compounded by the security situation in the country stalled the process. The family has been able to collect only Rs. 181,000 so far.
Chalani’s father is a casual labourer, while her mother works for a daily wage. With the life of their daughter hanging in the balance, the family is desperately trying to raise funds to meet the expenses involved.
Those interested in contributing towards this worthy cause can credit their contributions to A/C No. 102657129083 at Sampath Bank, Panadura branch or 8124458 at Bank of Ceylon, Panadura branch in favour of the child’s father, H. P. Nalaka Soysa. He can be contacted on mobile 071-4758595 or 0788-795930.