In setting a positive lesson on life’s priorities and fighting the odds, Tamil Nadu farm labourer took his cancer afflicted wife on a 130-km bicycle journey from Kumbakonam to the Jawaharlal institute of postgraduate medical education and research (Jipmer) in Puducherry.
According to media reports, doctors and paramedical staff at Jipmer lauded Arivazhagan (65) for his effort in bringing his wife on time for treatment.
Arivazhagan was in a fix when he learnt that a nationwide lockdown was in place till April 14 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. His wife A Manjula, 60, had to undergo a third chemotherapy session at the regional cancer centre (RCC) in Jipmer and RCC staff had scheduled it on March 31.
The couple could neither afford treatment at a private hospital nor hire a cab to reach Puducherry. Ignoring the advice of his relatives and neighbours, Arivazhagan decided to take Manjula on his cycle to Puducherry.
He began the journey on the night of March 30 despite the lockdown and reached the hospital on the scheduled date. Wherever he was stopped by policemen, he produced his wife’s medical records and chemotherapy schedule.
Moved by his decision to reach the hospital on time, the policemen offered the couple food and wished them a safe journey.
Arivazhagan stopped only once during the journey for breakfast on March 31at Kurinjipadi. He managed to reach Jipmer on time after pedalling through Mayavaram, Sirkazhi, Chidambaram and Cuddalore.
But, he was dejected to learn that Jipmer had suspended outpatient services at all units, including the RCC due to the pandemic. However, doctors and paramedical staff members were moved by his gesture. Subsequently, his wife was admitted to the hospital and administered the chemotherapy session.
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