From Fear to Recovery: Malkhan and Indervati’s Story

In April 2025, during a routine door-to-door visit, Veena, Humana’s Community Mobiliser in Chakkarpur, arrived at the home of Malkhan and his wife, Indervati. What seemed like a regular screening would soon change the course of their lives.

For weeks, Malkhan had been feeling unusually weak. “I did not understand what was happening to my body,” he recalls. “I just felt tired all the time.”

The couple had already visited a private doctor, paying Rs 1,000 for a consultation, followed by additional expenses for blood tests and medicines that were unrelated to tuberculosis (TB). Malkhan took those medicines for over 15 days. His condition did not improve.

“When Veena came and spoke about TB, I could not believe it,” Indervati says. “We had never thought of that. And I did not know treatment could be free.”

Although uncertain, they agreed to visit the hospital with Veena for proper testing. When the diagnosis confirmed TB, Indervati was shocked. “I thought TB was like cancer — something impossible to cure,” she admits.

Both the Humana team and TB specialists reassured them that with trust and strict adherence to treatment, Malkhan would recover. Gradually, their fear began to turn into hope.

They were advised to maintain social distance and wear masks to protect others, without feeling ashamed or isolated. Fortunately, no one else in their family or surroundings became infected.

The financial relief was equally significant. “We only paid five rupees for registration,” Indervati explains. “After spending so much before, that felt unbelievable.”

With support from the HPPI’s project, Malkhan was registered in the Government’s TB tracking system. Veena accompanied them to the medical centre whenever medicines were needed, conducted three home visits per month, provided nutritional food supplies as advised by a nutritionist, and maintained regular phone contact to monitor his recovery.

For nine months, the family remained committed to the treatment. Eventually, Malkhan tested negative and completed his course successfully.

“It would have been very hard for me alone,” Indervati reflects. “I had to care for my husband and our three children, especially when he was too weak to work.”

Today, she speaks with relief. “At one point, I was losing hope. But slowly, he became stronger.”

Inspired by their experience, Indervati is now determined to challenge the stigma surrounding TB. She openly shares their story and reassures others that the disease is curable. She is already in contact with another patient currently undergoing treatment in Chakkarpur, offering encouragement drawn from her own journey.

What began as fear and uncertainty has transformed into recovery, awareness, and advocacy — a reminder that with the right support, healing is possible.