Rajavommangi is a small tribal village located in the midst of hills in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Nannaji, 35 years old and married to Kumari, comes from an agricultural background, but in order to better provide for his family, has set up a small convenience store to sell goods to the local people. They have two children studying at the Tribal Agency Residential School. They also have a baby boy. As a result of illiteracy and traditional habits, Nannaji found it very difficult to manage with three children due to financial restraints.
When seven month-old Himansh went to a primary healthcare centre for vaccinations, the paediatrician noticed that he responded to sound but was unable to see due to cataracts in both eyes. The paediatrician advised the parents that they should proceed immediately to the Srikiran Eye Hospital in Kakinada.
Because of the parents’ lack of education, they were very confused about where to go, who to meet, what information to share, and how to respond to questions about payment, if asked. Eventually they did visit the Srikiran Eye Hospital and by the time they arrived, the baby boy was crying for milk.
The parents were confused about where to breastfeed the child and who to ask. One of the nurses noticed their predicament and advised the mother to go to the special breastfeeding area located in the paediatric eyecare unit. After doing so, the baby was happy, and the mother was equally happy regarding the care and facilities for small children in this eye hospital.
After the doctor examined Himansh, he asked many questions regarding medications used, any diseases, delivery details and other topics. The doctor asked the parents to remember everything which happened since the pregnancy and up to the present time. The mother advised the doctor that she took Covid-19 medication while she was pregnant. The doctor explained in simple language how some of these medications, a lack of proper nutrition, and other practices might have had some effect on the baby in the womb.
The doctor believed that the medications used during Covid-19 might have caused the cataracts in the baby boy. However, he assured the parents not to worry – the baby’s eyesight could be restored after a cataract operation. When the parents advised the doctor that they could not afford to pay for cataract surgery, Srikiran Eye hospital – with the support of MSMF – told them that both operations would be performed without any cost to the family.
Following the operation, baby Himansh can not only hear but can also see; he follows everything with a big smile. The parents commented: “While we were at the hospital, we saw several small children and their parents happily moving around because of the special paediatric eyecare unit at Srikiran. Afterwards we realized that this is the only paediatric eyecare facility available in this region and we are thankful that God provided this facility for our benefit.”.
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