Helpless Youth Stranded at Tata Hospital, Family Contact Lost — Plea for Medical Bill Support

Badabil: A 25-year-old youth, Tapas Patra (son of Sharat Patra) from Balam village under Barkot block of Deogarh district, is currently undergoing treatment at Tata Steel Hospital, Joda, in a helpless condition.

According to reports, Tapas had been working as a helper at Tarini Hotel in Bhadrasahi, Joda block, for the past few months. When he fell ill, he requested advance payment from his employer for medical treatment.

However, the owner allegedly told him, “Finish the work first, then I will pay you.” Following an argument, Tapas left the hotel and rushed to seek medical help.

Doctors at Badabil Hospital advised him to visit Tata Steel Hospital for better treatment.

Due to financial constraints, Tapas spent the night at Badabil Hospital and the next morning managed to reach Joda by hitching a ride on a goods vehicle.

On arrival, he collapsed near Suna Nadi. A kind-hearted passerby rescued him and admitted him to Tata Steel Hospital.

Tapas is now battling jaundice and remains admitted. With tears in his eyes, he told the media that he has no money for discharge and has lost contact with his family members.

Attempts to reach Badabil Tahasildar Rakesh Panda and Champua Sub-Collector Umakant Parida over the phone were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, social activist Prashant Kumar Samal has urged the administration to intervene and ensure Tapas is safely sent back home.