I work as a cook in a local school. My family depends on a monthly income of around ₹8,000, and with two young children going to school, we have always had to manage our expenses carefully. 

Then, a few months ago, I began falling sick. At first, it was fever and body pain. Gradually, I started experiencing swelling in my lower limbs. The discomfort became worse with time, and there were days when it became difficult to ignore.

But going to a hospital was not something I could take lightly. For families like ours, falling sick brings another worry along with the illness: the cost of treatment.

When my condition became too difficult to manage, I finally went to a private hospital. After examining me and conducting several tests, the doctors diagnosed me with chronic nephropathy. I had hoped that it would be something that could be treated quickly with a few medicines.

But the doctor explained that it was not that simple. I would need regular consultations, several medical tests, and continued medication. Managing the condition would require regular treatment.

Even on my first visit, I spent around ₹6,000. That amount was almost as much as what our family earned in an entire month. I returned home worried.

Our household income was already limited, and I could not imagine spending thousands of rupees every month on consultations, tests, and medicines.

So, I made a decision that I now realise was dangerous. I stopped going for treatment. But with every passing day, the swelling became worse. The body pain continued, and my health gradually deteriorated. 

Then one day, an ANM and an ASHA worker visited my home as part of their regular community visits. When they learned about my condition, they told me about the upgraded Primary Health Centre at Patharlapalli. They asked me not to delay my treatment any further. They explained that the centre now had diagnostic facilities, medicines, and the equipment needed to support people with conditions like mine.

I was hesitant at first. I had already been to a private hospital and spent ₹6,000 in a single visit. It was difficult for me to believe that I could receive the investigations and treatment I needed at an affordable public health facility. But I decided to go.

When I reached the Primary Health Centre at Patharlapalli, I was surprised. The centre had been upgraded, and the facilities were very different from what I had expected. The diagnostic services and equipment I needed were available there. I got my laboratory investigations done at the PHC. But I still had one doubt. Could I trust the results?

So, even after getting my tests done at the PHC, I decided to get the same tests done again at a private laboratory. When I compared the reports, I was surprised. The results matched completely. That was the moment I realised that I could access reliable diagnostic services without having to spend the kind of money I had spent at the private hospital.

I could continue monitoring my health without worrying that every hospital visit would become a financial burden for my family. Today, I am able to save between ₹4,000 and ₹5,000 every month on my medical expenses. For my family, that is a significant amount. It means I do not have to choose between my health and other household expenses.

Looking back, I understand why I delayed seeking care. When you earn a limited income, even when you know that your health is getting worse, you begin thinking about the money before you think about yourself. That is why discovering the Primary Health Centre at Patharlapalli changed things for me.

Today, I regularly encourage people in my village to visit the PHC and use the services available there.

For me, the PHC is no longer simply a nearby health centre. It is the reason I no longer have to ignore my illness because I am worried about the cost of treatment.