Susanta had TB, and no home but found safety with Calcutta Rescue

October 10, 2023
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In January 2023, 49-year-old Susanta Roy came to Calcutta Rescue’s Urban DOTS clinic with a fever, cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Initial check-ups and tests revealed that he was suffering from TB.

Susanta Roy lives in the Belgachia slum area. During the day, he sells flowers and earns a small amount of money. At night, he sleeps in a local club room because he doesn’t have his own home. Sadly, he lost his parents earlier, and he used to live in a rented home with his younger sister. However, due to financial difficulties, they were forced to leave that place.

“Thankfully, my sister got married before that time,” said Susanta. After his sister’s marriage, Susanta had to fend for himself. During the day, he would earn some money selling flowers, eat wherever he could find food, and spend his days outside until nightfall when he could sleep in the local club room.

Dr. Ghosh, the head of Calcutta Rescue’s medical department, believes that this challenging lifestyle likely contributed to Susanta’s TB.

Susanta visited a local doctor who then referred him to government hospitals. After testing positive for TB, he was directed to the Calcutta Rescue Urban DOTS clinic. “I couldn’t afford the medicines, so the hospital staff suggested I come to Calcutta Rescue,” said Susanta.

In early February, his treatment began. Despite not having a proper home, his sister occasionally helped him when she could. However, Susanta didn’t want to burden his sister’s family.

Susanta endured a lot, but the Calcutta Rescue team supported him with medicines, nutritional assistance, and motivation. “Susanta is very compliant. He followed all the health guidelines we gave him, even though it was challenging given his situation,” said Farhat from CR’s Urban DOTS clinic.

After six months of gradual treatment, Susanta is now completely cured of TB and very happy. “I was heartbroken when I first learned about my disease, but Calcutta Rescue has always been there for me. I felt safe with everyone here. I’m grateful that I came here. All my thanks go to Calcutta Rescue.”

Calcutta Rescue is currently providing post-treatment care to Susanta. If he ever experiences symptoms again, Calcutta Rescue will be there to provide caregiving support.