By the time she agreed to surgery, she had exhausted every option.
Her savings were gone.
Her family had contributed what they could.
Her friends had helped where possible.
Still, the money was not enough.
She borrowed.
Then borrowed again.
And again.
The debt weighed heavily on her.
But the alternative was unthinkable.
Without treatment, her health would continue deteriorating.
She often wondered why surviving had to be so expensive.
Why access to healthcare felt like a privilege instead of a right.
The surgery was successful.
Her health improved.
But recovery brought a new challenge.
Repaying the debt.
For many women, the financial impact of illness extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Medical expenses can affect families for years.
This reality highlights an urgent need for stronger healthcare systems, financial support programmes, and community interventions.
No woman should emerge from a health crisis only to face financial ruin. Healing should not create another form of hardship.