I, Mr. Sanjay Pintu, along with my wife Ms. Radha Pintu and three children decided to travel to Chennai from Odisha, in 2021 to earn our livelihood by engaging in construction work. There was no job available in and around our Adivasi hamlet. My 2-year-old second child, Santosh was diagnosed of a tumour in the spinal cord in 2020, at the government hospital in Malkangiri, Odisha. I did not have the means to treat him. I took my son to a village doctor. But the wound was not healing. My son was crying all the time. I could not console him. With much anxiety, I decided to move to Chennai with my family.
At the construction site in Chennai, the construction company invited a government doctor to conduct a medical camp. I took my son Santosh. Dr. Karthika, a government doctor, advised me to admit the child to Egmore children’s hospital. Meanwhile, Dr. Karthika called Dr. R Manivelan, State Nodal Officer, Occupational Health and Safety, Chennai and inquired whether there would be someone to help this migrant child and family. Dr. Manivelan gave Dr. Karthika the contact number of JMS staff. Dr. Karthika called JMS and informed them about the child.
The staff of JMS visited the boy, and met his parents and the doctor in the hospital. Dr. Karthika said, “The veins that are passing through the tumour to the legs are blocked due to a tumour in the spine. If immediate treatment is not provided, the boy’s movement will be restricted and the child is likely to become disabled.” On 12 February 2022, the doctor referred my child to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for further treatment, as this hospital has advanced surgery facilities. On 7 March 2022, my child was operated upon for 6 hours and the tumour was removed.
My son was discharged on 27 March and he looks bright and healthy. I came to Chennai with much anxiety and confusion. God helped us through Dr. Karthika and Jesuit Migrant Service. JMS staff continually visited us, guided us and also helped us. All my fears have disappeared and I am hopeful of earning my livelihood in the construction site. My family is eternally grateful to all those who helped us. Now, JMS staff is organising tuition for my children. What more can I ask for?
Fr. Chinna, SJ
Assistant Director, JMS