Tirupathur:After the coronavirus, a different battle awaited for the 103-year-old Tamil Nadu woman - who survived the deadly infection- social stigma. Instead of being welcomed with relief and joy, she met with social stigma and fear over the coronavirus.
A native of Periyavarikkam village and COVID-19 survivor-Hameeda Beevi had another battle on hand-social stigma and ostracization by neighbours, who have been demanding her to vacate the rented house at the village in Tirupathur district, situated 200 km away from the capital city of the state, since her return on July 12.
The mother of 13 kids-Beevi, who lives with her daughter Mubarak and granddaughter Shama at the rented accommodation, was taken to a local public health centre (PHC) in Nariyampattu after she complained of a common cold.
After getting tested for coronavirus, her family members learned Bee has tested positive for COVID-19 on July 1. She was then taken to the Ambur government hospital for treatment. While stating that the woman responded well within 15 days of treatment, health department officials at the hospital said that she could be 103-year-old but her family claimed that she is 130-year-old.
"Since it was their claim, it was initially recorded in the same manner in the records. It has been altered to 103 based on our calculations using her last daughter's age. We have also sought proof of age in any sort to establish the actual age of the elderly woman", said a block-level officer.
After recovering from the infection, the elderly woman was discharged from the hospital on July 12.
The struggle did not end here for the 103-year-old woman who successfully fought the pandemic as she continued to face discrimination and stigma as soon as returned home.