Helping hand for acid attack victims

A month after the Delhi government announced free medical treatment for all acid attack victims at all hospitals in the capital, one woman has successfully undergone corrective surgery and two more will be operated on this month.

The government had in August announced the decision after Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal met Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

The three women had spent lakhs on the treatment till now and the scheme has provided a relief to them and their families.

The first to undergo surgery was 30-year-old Anupama from Siwan in Bihar, who was suffering from the after-effects of the acid attack for 19 years. She was attacked in 1996 by her neighbour after a fight with his brother. Her face was disfigured in the attack.

Besides, her lower lip was pulled down and flesh had accumulated on her neck. “We have spent lakhs on the treatment till date,” said Anupama, whose father is a small-time farmer.

The corrective surgery took place in Max hospital at Saket on August 20.
The other two women, Sapna and Reena, too have received confirmation by Fortis and Max respectively for their treatment to take place this month.

Sapna was attacked with acid by her cousin’s brother-in-law in 2013 as she refused to marry him. The accused is currently lodged in jail. However, Sapna has been rushing to various hospitals and private clinics in Delhi and has not been able to complete her studies after the attack.

She was getting her treatment through a private clinic in Greater Kailash and has spent over and above Rs three lakh, which she received as compensation from the Delhi government, till date.

“I am relieved after the announcement by the Delhi government. Doctor Charu Sharma from Fortis is coordinating with me and has told that treatment will start in ten days,” said Sapna.

Similarly, Reena, who was attacked in 2013 will undergo corrective surgery in the next few days at Max hospital free of cost.

Reena’s eyes were deformed in the attack and she has to undergo operation for the same. She also could not move her neck.

“I was rushing from one hospital to other before the scheme was launched. The government hospitals conducted a free of cost operation but we had to spend on the surgical essentials needed for the operation and also on the medicines. We have at least spent six-seven lakhs till date,” she said.

Shaheen Malik, who is working with the DCW team for the victims, however, said there is still a need to change the attitude of the hospitals so that instead of the government pushing them, they willingly come forward to treat the victims.