ILAM, Mar 12: Suryodaya Municipality of Ilam has announced that it will pay for the medical treatment of a nine-year-old mentally ill girl, who has been tied up at her home in the municipality.
Deepshikha Puri of Nayachowk, Suryodaya Municipality-10, is the unfortunate girl who is living a miserable life. Rana Bahadur Rai, mayor of the municipality decided to do something for the little girl as soon as he read the heartbreaking news of the little girl in Republica on March 10. "The municipality had sent the chiefs of ward no. 9 and 10 to Nayachowk to study and understand the problem of the little girl," said Mayor Rai, adding, "It has been found that she needs treatment for her illness and the municipality will be taking the responsibility for her preliminary treatment."
Family unable to afford treatment of mentally ill man
He also said that the municipality will have to seek donations from other sources if the minor is diagnosed with a serious illness. Currently, Deepshikha along with her two brothers and septuagenarian grandmother lives in the house of Kalpana Tamang. Six months ago, her mother eloped with another man, compelling them to suffer more. Four months ago, her father Prem Puri went to Kathmandu to earn money but he has been out of contact since then.
Deeshikha's old grandmother is feeding the children with great difficulty. Aware of their awful situation, Tamang has not charged them any rent. Due to her illness, Deepshikha is often found tearing her clothes and running away from the house. "A few days ago, we took her to a hospital in Jhapa and the doctors referred her to Kathmandu for further treatment," said Tamang. According to her, Deepshikha has been suffering from mental disorder for the last three months.
