People chip in to help Thimmakka

BENGALURU: Even as people come forward to contribute money for Saalumarada Thimmakka’s rising medical expenses, no minister or elected representative has called on the ailing environmentalist who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru for the past five days. Thimmakka will be discharged from Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Jayanagar, after two days. 

Many have expressed anger at the state government’s indifferent attitude towards Thimmakka’s plight and have come forward to cover her expenses, her son Umesh said. “It is so painful to accept money from people but we are helpless. And Amma is so touched by the concern shown by so many citizens who have always supported her and her cause,” he added.

Meanwhile, both on Facebook and WhatsApp, many students, admirers, individuals and organisations have come forward to start a’ fund-pooling initiative’ to support her.Vijay Nishanth, Tree Committee member, said, “it is heartening to see so many citizens expressing their concern, sending their messages and willing to donate money to her. There has been a big response on social media. However, we are waiting for the final bill for medical expenses. We plan to collect the money from all concerned citizens.”

ready to reimburse Medical expenses: dept
On their part, state government’s medical authorities say they are prepared to reimburse the medical expenses incurred by Thimmakka and in this regard, adding that they had written a letter to her on July 14. Joint Director (Medical reimbursement) Prabhakar told Express: “Thimmakka can submit her medical bills and the government will reimburse the amount to the best of our abilities. However, , we have not reimbursed any of her medical bills as we have absolutely no information about it. We have told both Thimmakka and her son to send her bills for reimbursement.”