After months of suffering, Ritamani Majhi undergoes a complex surgery at Hi-Tech Medical College, restoring her health and hope
Bhubaneswar: For months, Ritamani Majhi from Digisalapa village in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district endured the pain in silence. What began as a small ulcer in her lower gums gradually grew into a painful, bleeding mass, robbing her of peace and hope. With limited financial resources and family responsibilities weighing heavily on her shoulders, seeking advanced medical care seemed like an impossible dream.
Despite visiting local doctors, Ritamani’s condition only worsened. The ulcer became a large, foul-smelling growth that made eating and speaking difficult. Her world grew smaller as the pain intensified, and the fear of the unknown loomed large. Desperate for answers, she traveled to another state, where her worst fears were confirmed—squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa, a type of oral cancer.
The diagnosis shattered Ritamani. Not only was she fighting a life-threatening disease, but she also faced the harsh reality that her family could not afford the costly treatment. Feeling defeated and burdened by hopelessness, she returned home, her dreams for the future slipping away.
Yet, even in Ritamani’s darkest moments, a glimmer of hope emerged. Through the support of well-wishers, she learned about Hi-Tech Medical College and Hospital and the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a healthcare scheme providing financial assistance for cancer treatment. Clinging to that hope, she made her way to the hospital, determined to fight for her life.
A dedicated team of specialists came together to help her regain not only her health but also her dignity. The team included renowned oncologist Dr Khitish Chandra Mishra, oral surgeon Dr Sandip Samal, and plastic surgeon Dr Chinmaya Chiranjibi Samal, supported by the head of anaesthesia, Dr N Acharya. They planned a complex surgical procedure to remove the cancer and reconstruct her face, ensuring she could live without the stigma often associated with disfigurement.
The six-hour surgery conducted on February 9 was both delicate and demanding. The team meticulously removed the cancerous tissue, after which the plastic surgery team worked to rebuild her face, restoring her appearance as close to normal as possible. When the surgery was over, she was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for careful post-operative observation.
In the days that followed, hope began to blossom. The recovery was smooth, with no complications, and the surgical wounds healed well. As Ritamani looked at her reflection, she saw not just a face but a future—a life renewed, free from pain and shame.
