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Back from the brink

Speaking to Khaleej Times yesterday, Nora, 19-year-old Arlene’s mother, said though the bills of her daughter’s stay in hospital are yet to be settled, they would still be flying back to the Philippines on March 12.

“Many people have been kind to us, especially Arlene’s sponsor who, as promised, has provided her with a return ticket and has also given an extra Dh5,000 to us so that we can continue her treatment back home,” explained Nora.

She also said that the church helped raise funds for her as well.

“The hospital discharged us after they came to know we could not pay the bills. Right now, Arlene’s sponsor is handling the matters regarding the payment,” said Nora, who plans on settling in Dubai later in the year. “I have no source of income in the Philippines so I want to come back to Dubai to try my luck here,” she said, adding that the Philippines Consulate did nothing to help ease her woes.

Arlene had collapsed on January 22 entering a comatose state. Doctors at a local hospital diagnosed her as suffering from aneurysm (brain haemorrhage).

Though partially recovered, Arlene still needs therapy to be able to lead a normal life.

The cost of Arlene’s treatment had reached over Dh210,000 out of which Dh175,000 had been paid by her Arab sponsor. The hospital had also announced a waiver of at least half of the remaining bill.

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities say that the bills still need to be settled. “Though we have given a huge discount, we still expect some payment to come through her sponsor. However, we also know that in such cases, we may not get the full amount back,” said a representative.

She also said Arlene had recovered partially and was fit to travel. “We will soon issue her a medical certificate which is required by the airline,” she added.

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