On the morning of 17th June (10:02 AM) Maheswaran and Sangavi were blessed with a baby boy after a sustained period of 12 hours during which his wife battled through labor complications to finally deliver the baby. The new parents were overjoyed to have him in their arms after a difficult battle, but their battle was going to become much harder. At 1 AM the next day (17th June), their baby developed breathing difficulties, and Maheswaran admitted him to a private hospital, which was the closest available hospital with neo-natal intensive care via ambulance.

The baby was diagnosed with NRDS – Newborn Respiratory Distress Syndrome. This condition, which stems from acute respiratory trouble, causes a critically low blood oxygen level and abnormally high blood pressure. On diagnosis, he was immediately placed under 90% ventilator support for an initial period of 48 hours. However, he showed no signs of improvement. White patch in lungs established in xray confirmed fluid formation or pneumonia infection, high pressure in blood vessel between heart & lungs. Antibiotics were given for baby to fight infection. Severe infection due to Type B Streptococcal Bacteria has been identified. By the 20th, which was his 4th day under ventilator support, he had to undergo 5 units of blood transfusions. 2 units of Immunoglobulin was also given. In addition, ventilator support was extended for another 5 days. By the 22nd, ventilator support had to be increased to 95% as he showed no signs of improvement. Brain activity was also found below normal and physically, baby was not fully active. Doctor prescribed MRI, CT and EEG. 

EEG test reveals baby has severe encephalopathy or metabolic encephalopathy. The ventilator support was 100% along with nitrous oxide until 26th. On 27th nitrous oxide support was reduced. Post that until now the O2 support is fluctuating between 50% to 65%. If 75% & above need arises for O2 then baby will again be moved to 100% ventilator support. The baby is still struggling to breathe naturally because of pneumonial residue in his lungs. The baby is still in a highly critical condition.

Maheswaran, who works with a private sector company in Gurgaon, is the family’s sole breadwinner, and the insurance limit of Rs 2 lakhs was exhausted on the 25th June itself, forcing Maheswaran to dip into his savings. With the overall expenses at the hospital being Rs 50,000 per day, Maheswaran has completely exhausted his savings and his PF balance as of today, 29th June. With the doctor mandating oxygen support for a minimum of 15 additional days, Maheswaran is facing a hard choice of taking on a heavy debt burden to ensure his baby’s survival. 

He requires a minimum of Rs 7,50,000 to cover his baby’s hospital expenses for the next 15 days. On behalf of Maheswaran, Sangavi and their baby, we, his colleagues, are all counting on your generosity to help them tide over this harrowing period, being stretched both emotionally and financially. A small contribution from your side can go a long way in easing their financial burden.