Two-and-a-half-year-old Mohammad Shakib has been battling serious health complications since birth. Repeated bouts of fever, cold, allergies and breathing difficulties have made his short life a constant struggle. After visiting several doctors, his parents eventually learned that he was suffering from a heart condition.
Whenever Shakib experiences heart pain, he cries in unbearable agony. He is the son of Mohammad Bacchu of Safar Ali Munshi Bari in the Taraganj area of Ward No. 4 under Charbhuta Union in Lalmohan upazila of Bhola. Bacchu works as a microbus driver and supports his family on a limited income. The cost of his son’s treatment has already pushed him deep into debt, leaving the family desperately worried about how to arrange the money needed for further treatment.
Shakib’s father Bacchu said they initially sought treatment from pediatricians in Lalmohan because the child had been ill since birth. As his condition did not improve, doctors advised them to take him to the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital in Dhaka. After undergoing various tests there, Shakib received treatment. However, Bacchu had to borrow money to cover the medical expenses.
At one point, he could no longer afford to take his son to Dhaka for follow-up treatment. After some time, Shakib’s condition deteriorated further. His body would sometimes turn blue, accompanied by severe breathing difficulties. He would cry throughout the night in unbearable pain.
Amid his son’s suffering and mounting financial hardship, Bacchu once again borrowed money and took Shakib to a doctor at LabAid Cardiac Hospital in Dhaka. Following several tests, the doctor informed the family that Shakib’s heart had been damaged and that one of his blood vessels had become narrowed. The doctor advised that surgery was needed urgently, warning that any delay could worsen his condition.
Bacchu said at least Tk 600,000 is required for the first operation. Another surgery will be necessary when Shakib reaches the age of six or seven. According to the doctor, if the first surgery is performed successfully, Shakib could improve considerably and return to a more normal life.
However, Bacchu says it is virtually impossible for a low-income microbus driver to arrange such a large amount of money. He has already borrowed Tk 150,000 from various NGOs for his son’s treatment. Apart from that, his only significant asset is the family homestead.
Caught between his child’s suffering and the burden of debt, Bacchu says he has no option but to seek help from others. He has appealed to government and private organizations, compassionate and financially capable people at home and abroad, and humanitarian groups to come forward with financial assistance for Shakib’s treatment.
“Even a small contribution from everyone can be extremely important for Shakib’s treatment at this moment,” the family said.
Those wishing to assist with Shakib’s treatment and surgery are requested to contact 01716839787 (personal bKash).
Meanwhile, Lalmohan Upazila Social Services Officer Mohammad Masud said the government currently provides a Tk 100,000 grant for people suffering from congenital heart disease through the National Social Welfare Council.
He said Shakib’s family can apply online and submit the required documents to the Lalmohan Social Services Office. The documents will then be forwarded to the Bhola office. Once approved by the Bhola office, the family will receive a grant cheque to help cover Shakib’s medical expenses.
