A daughter separated from her family for nearly a decade, a battle against cancer and a long struggle to secure treatment - the story of ‘Asha’ (name changed) is one of resilience, reunion and now a fresh start. After months of treatment and uncertainty, the 39-year-old woman has completed her cancer treatment, with all her latest cancer-related test reports returning negative, bringing relief and happiness to those who cared for her. Asha’s whereabouts remained unknown to her family from 2015. She was previously staying at an institution in Wardha, which shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following its closure, she was referred to the Government Priyadarshini Women’s Hostel in Nagpur, which admitted her to the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) on March 19, 2024. During her stay at the hospital, Asha was diagnosed with cancer on November 29, 2024, and referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, where she underwent cancer treatment and chemotherapy.

 

Her treatment faced a major hurdle in July 2025 when the high cost of further care became a concern. As she lacked essential documents, including an Aadhaar card and ration card, accessing financial assistance under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana became difficult. Her family had also not been traced. Kunda Katkhaye Bidkar, Social Service Superintendent, initiated efforts to locate her relatives. With the help of police patils Nitesh Bidkar and Babita Ghuge, Asha’s father was traced to a village in Wardha district. He visited the hospital on August 7, 2025, to provide the documents required for her treatment. His cooperation helped update Asha’s Aadhaar details and complete her registration under the government health scheme, allowing her treatment to resume. With all her latest cancer-related test reports returning negative, Asha has reached a significant milestone in her recovery. The hospital will now undertake her rehabilitation as per government regulations, with the Mental Health Review Board deciding on the plan best suited to her needs and circumstances.