"On coming to know about the suffering of Anshu Kumari, whose father had earlier returned Rs 25,000 to the President as the cost of treatment was coming to about Rs 1.25 lakh, the President promptly accepted to bear the entire cost of treatment," Kalam 's press secretary S M Khan told reporters in Patna.

Anshu, third daughter of a private security guard in a biscuit factory and a resident of Karmil Chak in Patna city, is suffering from acute heart blockage. Doctors have said if she does not get treatment for a year, her life would be in danger. Manoj Kumar, who does not have enough money for the treatment of her ailing daughter, had sent an SOS to the President last month begging him to save life of his daughter.

In response to his petition, the President had sent a cheque of Rs 25,000 for the treatment of the girl. Manoj had returned the cheque as the amount was not enough to meet the medical expenses required.

When the President, who was on a visit to Bihar, came to know about the fact, he immediately announced bearing the entire cost of Anshu's treatment, Khan said, adding the President's decision has been communicated to the girl's parents.