Alappuzha: The frail body of one-year-old Muhammad Ihsan bears silent testimony to the pain he has endured since birth. Yet, no sounds of a child's laughter or cries echo through the Navroji Purayidam house in Lajnath Ward, Alappuzha.

Muhammad Ihsan, the youngest child of Aneesh Muhammad and Surumi, was born with severe congenital deformities at the Women and Children Hospital in Alappuzha. He turns one today, but it brings little joy to his family, who say they have been left to struggle alone as authorities have offered no help despite their repeated pleas over the past year.

Shockingly, none of Ihsan’s serious birth defects were detected during the seven prenatal scans or through the antenatal care provided by two doctors. The child was delivered via C-section on November 8 last year.

Barring a few months, Ihsan and his parents had spent most part of the year in various hospitals. Although the child has been showing mild signs of recovery as a result of the rigorous treatment, his condition remains the same. Ihsan’s voice doesn’t come out even when he cries. Besides, he regularly suffers from shortness of breath. 

Meanwhile, the family is planning to approach the district medical officer, pointing out that the government has failed to keep its promise of ensuring free medical treatment for the baby. Aneesh said that they would resort to protests in front of the district medical office if suitable measures are not taken.