TASEK GELUGOR – To say that T. Ranugopal and wife have had a challenging year would be an understatement.
The 61-year-old retired Seberang Prai City Council lorry driver suffered a stroke in March that has left him bedridden and in need of constant care.
His wife M. Manotmany, 60, said expenses have been piling up as Ranugopal’s RM1,500 monthly pension is barely enough for the couple’s essential expenditure, especially now that he needs medication and other items.
“My husband’s medical expenses are quite high. Aside from having to buy disposable diapers and milk, I also have to get an e-hailing service every month that he has to go to the Penang General Hospital on the island for follow-up treatment.
“At the same time, I have to engage a private clinic for catheter-cleaning services that cost more than RM1,000 a month.”
She added that her three children are trying to chip in but it has been difficult after they lost their jobs recently.
But today, the couple got some festive cheer ahead of Deepavali when Permatang Berangan assemblyman Nor Hafizah Othman paid them a visit.
Hafizah handed them some daily necessities, including donations to help the family usher in Thursday’s Deepavali.
During the visit, Manotmany said she has hopes for her husband’s recovery as he really misses the excitement of Deepavali.
“It’s really sad to see my husband’s current condition. Before this, he was a cheerful person, but changed after he suffered a stroke.
“We are looking forward to Deepavali but it will be a modest celebration for us this year.” – The Vibes, November 1, 2021
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