Photo : Messenger
Patients in Thakurgaon are facing severe difficulties in receiving financial assistance for the treatment of critical illnesses due to bureaucratic complications in the District Social Services Department. Like the rest of the country, the number of patients suffering from cancer, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, stroke-induced paralysis, congenital heart disease, and thalassemia is on the rise in Thakurgaon. The treatment for these diseases is very expensive, leaving many families destitute.
To alleviate this burden, the government introduced a commendable initiative in the fiscal year 2013-14, providing financial aid through the Department of Social Services to patients suffering from these critical illnesses. Since 2019, under this program, each district social service office has been providing a one-time financial assistance of 50,000 BDT per patient, subject to budget availability.
However, patients' relatives in Thakurgaon are experiencing significant hardships in availing the benefits. Despite the promise of receiving the funds within 17 to 18 working days, many report that it takes months to get the aid. In some cases, patients have died due to lack of timely treatment, and their families received the money posthumously, defeating the purpose of the financial assistance.
Sahera Begum from Munshirhat shared her ordeal: "My husband, a laborer, was diagnosed with cancer. With the help of our community and relatives, we started his treatment. We then applied for the social service grant, but despite endless visits to the office, it took four to five months, and we still didn't receive the money. My husband passed away, and only after his death did we get the funds. When I needed the money, it wasn’t there. I believe there is negligence among many social service officials, causing poor people like us to miss out on this noble government initiative."
Auto-rickshaw driver Raju also recounted his struggles: "My father has been suffering from cancer for a long time. I’ve worn out my shoes making repeated trips to the social service office. They always tell me the file is pending here or there. While my father was fighting for his life, we finally received the money just days before his death. It was too late to save him. Another cancer patient in our village died without receiving any aid. His family might get the money now, but it’s of no use anymore."
When asked how long it takes to receive the grant after applying, Assistant Director of Thakurgaon District Social Services Office, Mocha: Saiyeda Sultana, told The Daily Messenger, "It's difficult to specify an exact timeline because some cases are resolved quickly when funds are available. Allocations come every three months. Delays occur because applications are first screened at the sub-district level, then sent to the district level, and finally reviewed by the civil surgeon's office. We try to expedite the process, but it takes some time."
Despite these explanations, the affected families continue to demand quicker disbursement of funds to ensure that the government’s intended support reaches those in need when it is most needed.
Many affected families express frustration with the prolonged process. The bureaucratic delays not only hinder timely medical intervention but also exacerbate the emotional and financial stress on patients and their families. The intended purpose of the financial assistance—to provide crucial support in a timely manner—is often undermined by these inefficiencies.
While the government’s initiative is commendable, the actual implementation faces significant hurdles. Streamlining the process and ensuring quicker disbursement of funds could significantly improve the situation, allowing patients to receive the necessary treatment and support when they need it most. Enhanced transparency and accountability within the social services department could also help address these issues.
Messenger/Fameema
