From Wheelchair to Walking: Jaykishans Journey of Recovery with Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Ahmedabad, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Jaykishan Kapadia, a 32-year-old resident of Mehsana, Gujarat, has experienced a remarkable transformation thanks to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, aimed at providing better healthcare for economically weaker sections. Once despondent and dependent on a wheelchair, Jaykishan is now standing on his own two feet again, aspiring to support his mother through employment.

His struggles began at the tender age of 17 when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. In a selfless act, his mother donated a kidney, giving him a second chance at life. After undergoing a transplant in 2012, Jaykishan initially enjoyed good health. However, the long-term effects of steroid medication led to severe deterioration in his hip joints. Gradually, he experienced stiffness in his limbs and debilitating joint pain, ultimately becoming completely reliant on a wheelchair. Financial constraints made it difficult for him to seek further medical treatment, and at one point, he weighed only 30 to 35 kilograms.

About three years ago, his mother brought him to the Government Spine Institute located within the Civil Hospital complex in Ahmedabad. There, Dr. Piyush Mittal and his team assessed Jaykishan’s condition and initiated treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This involved four surgeries, including hip replacements, along with physical therapy and rehabilitation aimed at helping him regain mobility.

Dr. Mittal explained that when Jaykishan first arrived, his condition was dire. He was unable to get out of bed and weighed around 30 kilograms. After his kidney transplant, his health declined due to medication side effects, causing pain and stiffness in his joints. The medical team focused on straightening his legs, providing necessary medications, and bolstering his mental resilience. Gradually, they performed surgeries on both hips to restore his ability to walk.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of a multidisciplinary team, Jaykishan is no longer reliant on a wheelchair. Following multiple surgeries and consistent rehabilitation, he has regained the ability to stand and walk. The institute’s team is also working on his emotional and psychological strength to ensure he becomes fully self-sufficient.

Reflecting on his journey, Jaykishan expressed gratitude for the new life the Ayushman Bharat scheme has afforded him. He recalled how, after his kidney surgery, he faced significant challenges with his legs due to medication side effects. Initially, other doctors advised against surgery, but his mother brought him to this hospital. After undergoing surgeries on both legs, he now feels a sense of relief and is optimistic about his future, something he once thought impossible.