Then what started was a very difficult period for my family. Only my
husband was employed so the income of the family was reduced. Before,
we got free health services and medicine from social security but now
we have to purchase expensive medicine from the market. The most
difficult period started when I became ill. When I went for a checkup
at a private hospital, it was found that I had an infection in my womb
that had to be operated on. We collected our life savings and assets
and sold all of it for the operation. I also borrowed money from my
relatives. The private hospital looted me and all of my money spent on
the treatment. After the operation, the doctor suggested that I don’t
do any kind of hard work for a year. I listened to the doctor’s advice.
However, my husband’s salary is spent solely on food and we can’t save
a single penny for our future.

My conditions went from bad to worse. My daughter finished high
school and insisted that she take the entrance exam for college, as she
wanted to study further. My husband and I explained to our daughter
that we were not in that position to bear her study expenses. Then she
threatened that she would commit suicide if she could not go to
college. My husband and I were scared and said that we would do
anything to put her through college. I went to another relative and
took 5000 Rupees (62 USD) as credit for the admission of my daughter
into college. Now my daughter is studying in college. To add to the
hardship, my husband has a breathing problem so at times he is unable
to go to work, meaning the both of us are not bringing in any income.
During these times our living condition becomes worse. I do not know
what to do or how I am going to pay back the loan.

Sometimes I think that if the factory owner would have not fired me
from my job, I might not be in this situation. If I were working in the
factory, all of my treatment would be free and I would not be forced to
sell my house hold goods. I would also get a monthly salary and our
living conditions might be better and then I would not have to take out
credit.