An 11-year-old boy resident of village Medkidbari of Churra Block of Gariaband district is a patient of Progeria.
Due to financial constraints of his family, the boy is unable to undergo long-term treatment of the disease .
The boy Shailendra Dhruve at present goes to school as a normal child and plays with his friends.
He likes to write stories and wants to become a police officer, when he grows up.
Shailendra has a close friend with whom he generally goes to school and also studies with him.
His father Banshilal Dhruve says, “On regular basis he develops headache due to which in the house they have to keep medicines on regular basis. Now, have already spent more than Rs 80,000 on his treatment but due to financial constraints is unable to carry on the treatment. No assistance has been received from any sector or government, even after being a rare disease.”
Banshilal says, “Due to the disease, his son is unable to play normally with the peers. But he sits and studies due to which he is good in studies.”
Medical Officer of Government Hospital Churra block Dr G L Tandon says, “Progeria is an extremely rare genetic disorder in which symptoms resembles different aspects of early aging at a very early age. Skin, veins and muscles are affected the most. There is no specific treatment for the disease.”
He adds, “Generally lack of growth is one factor found in the children mainly from two years of age. The hair falls and teeth are damaged. The lone method of treatment is to reduce the cholesterol so that they can lead a longer life.”
Tandon points out, “People due to lack of awareness is unknown to the diseases. In world, only 35-45 cases exist. In country also research is underway for the diseases.”
Tandon said, “The patient was sent to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Raipur where he underwent treatment but had to return as it is non-curable disease and predominently genetic in nature.”
“I had gone to Raipur with my son for his treatment but am unable to continue further treatment of the boy due to financial constraints. I hope that if government extends some help, I can continue the treatment of my son,” Banshilal , said.