Name: Kuteja Begum Mehboob Patel

 Age: 63

 Location: Laxminagar, Dahanukar Colony, Kothrud, Pune (Cluster: Karvenagar)

 Family: Lives with husband, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren (6 members)

 Source of Income: Small shop (no pension, irregular income)

 Health Conditions: High blood pressure, Diabetes, Tuberculosis, Kidney stones

Kuteja Begum Mehboob Patel lives in Laxminagar with her husband and extended family. Despite her age and health challenges, she continued to run a small neighbourhood shop to support the household, while her husband helped manage the home. Their modest income was essential for the family’s survival.

Her situation became critical when she began suffering from severe stomach pain. Medical examinations at Dinanath Hospital revealed that, in addition to high blood pressure, diabetes, and tuberculosis, she had developed kidney stones that required immediate surgery. Already physically weak and financially strained, the family was devastated when the hospital expenses reached ₹5,00,000. Unable to afford the treatment, she was forced to shut down her shop, losing her only source of income.

During a home visit, the Vridhamitra team carefully understood her condition and informed the family about the Urban Poor Scheme (SGY benefit). With timely guidance, her son obtained the necessary income certificate and applied for the scheme. Soon after, the family received a card that waived ₹2,50,000 of the hospital bill, making the life-saving surgery possible.

Today, Kuteja Begum’s health has significantly improved, and the family has regained hope. The financial relief not only reduced their burden but also restored their confidence during a time of crisis. With deep gratitude, the family thanked the entire Vrudhhamitra team for standing by them when they needed support the most.

Impact:

 Timely information and support transformed a moment of despair into one of recovery, protecting both health and dignity for a vulnerable elderly woman and her family.