Rourkela: A 57-year-old daily-wage worker from Bargarh district is struggling to keep his family afloat as he juggles the treatment of his cancer-stricken son, paralysed wife and his own heart condition, all amid mounting debt and shrinking income.Netranand Pradhan, a native of Kayatikra village under Janapada panchayat, currently lives with his family at his in-laws’ house in Talipada village of Bargarh district. Employed at a vegetable seed centre, he earns a modest salary that is proving insufficient to meet the family’s spiralling medical expenses.His only son, Balaram Pradhan (21), a first-year degree student who is hearing-impaired and physically challenged, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in May this year. His wife, Laxmi (47), suffered a paralytic stroke three months ago. Netranand himself underwent open-heart surgery in 2024 and requires lifelong medication.After initially taking Balaram to VIMSAR, Burla, the family shifted him to a private hospital in Raipur, where he underwent surgery on May 11. He has since been undergoing regular chemotherapy sessions, requiring frequent trips between Bargarh and Raipur.While chemotherapy expenses are being covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the family spends around Rs 10,000 every month on medicines for Balaram. Netranand said he is also unable to afford a PET-CT scan recommended by doctors.The family’s financial woes have deepened as Laxmi requires hospitalisation and continued treatment for paralysis. According to Netranand, the family is spending nearly Rs 5,000 a month on her medicines and injections. He claimed he has not been able to admit her for further treatment as the family’s health coverage limitations have complicated simultaneous treatment for multiple members.Adding to the burden, Netranand requires medicines worth about Rs 5,000 every month following his heart surgery but often skips treatment because of a lack of money.“I am currently in Raipur for my son’s cancer treatment while my wife is battling paralysis. I earn very little and have no savings. I am borrowing money from relatives and acquaintances to buy medicines for my son and wife. Even I am unable to buy all the medicines prescribed for me. Life has become extremely painful,” he said.With medical expenses mounting and debts rising, the family is now relying on borrowed money and goodwill support to continue treatment for all three members. .