Joy Das works as a rickshaw puller living at Ramkrishnapur Ghat near Howrah. He is forty-five years old. He had been suffering from a cough so he visited Urban Public Health Centre where he was prescribed cough medicine. HPPI’s field officer observed him there and could identify some symptoms indicative of TB.

The field officer spoke with Joy and explained to him about TB. Joy was assured that even if he is found positive his TB can be cured and he can lead a healthy life. The field officer also got in touch with the owner of the rickshaw to inform him that Joy needs to be checked. Joy got a microscopy test, chest X-ray and his sputum tested with the help of the field officer. He was found to be with TB.

Looking for Joy the field officer reached his home. The officer learnt from his family that Joy was an alcohol addict. His addiction was extreme to the point where he would sell things from home to get money for alcohol. Harassed by the stealing and addiction his wife had thrown him out of their house in Santragachi. He also learnt that Joy had suffered from TB eight years ago but had not taken his medicine routine seriously. Joy’s family blamed him for carelessly spreading TB within the family, including his child.

When everyone in his house learnt that he is TB positive again, all including his wife ended communications with him. There was no trace of him. HPPI’s field officer tried to look for Joy as he had to start his TB medicine course. He contacted the rickshaw owner who provided Joy’s contact and finally he was traced.

Joy was severely unwell and struggling to survive. The field officer looking at his dire condition rushed him to Howrah General Hospital where he was admitted in Emergency for 5 days. Since he had no family to sign his papers, Joy was admitted in the hospital on the guarantee of the field officer.  

Now, Joy is doing better living alone in a community for homeless people at Ramkrishnapur Ganga Ghat. This arrangement was made so that Joy does not have to work till the time he recovers. The field officer has also facilitated linking Joy with the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, a scheme through which he gets Rs 500 every month for nutritional food. Also, the officer has linked him to Bhoothnath Mandir Trust which feeds him with the other homeless population.

Joy is taking his TB medicine regularly which the field officer follows up with frequent visits. He is now a recovering alcoholic. He has been counselled on how to prevent TB from spreading to others. Seeing a will for change and improvement, his wife has started calling him to inquire about his health.