Gold turns Sanjeevani for COVID-hit families in Telangana

Soaring medical costs have forced thousands to pledge jewellery at exorbitant rates

Jyothi, a 35-year-old homemaker from Old Alwal couldn't pull herself together when doctors at a private hospital asked for ₹1.2 lakh to treat her COVID positive husband. She found herself helpless with no savings from the meagre income of her husband, an autorickshaw driver. The amount was needed urgently for three doses of Remedesivir, which the doctors said each would cost at least ₹30,000. The hapless lady had no option but to pledge her mangalsutra (wedding necklace) and the little gold she had. “I was crying all the way to the nearby pawnbroker who said he would give only ₹1 lakh at an interest of 2.5% a month. I pleaded with him to give ₹1.20 lakh, but he reiterated his terms and refused to relent,” said Ms. Jyothi, fighting back tears when contacted by The Hindu.