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Indian in coma for 17 months, brother struggles with repatriation

Dubai - Indian Embassy has already expressed support with repatriation

An Indian met with an accident in Al Ain and is in coma for 17 months at a private hospital in Abu Dhabi. Now a fight is on to get the insurance claim.
Chithiravel Vinaitheertha Udaiyar was returning from work when the car he was travelling met with an accident in June last year. The native of Indian state of Tamil Nadu is under care of a private hospital in the Capital.
"Al Raha Hospital is providing good care. However, doctors have said it's unlikely for Chithiravel to recover from coma. It was five months back that doctor told us to return to India," said V Uthira Moorthy, who is looking after his brother.
"The accident was a freak one where the car spun twice or thrice after hitting something. Only Chithiravel was seriously injured and was rushed to hospital here," said Moorthy, who is on leave ever since as Chithiravel requires fulltime care.
Chithiravel, 38, holds a health insurance card valid till June next year.
So how does Moorthy survive for daily needs without going to work?
"The company - Smart Energy Power Contracting - has unfailingly paid both our salaries so far. It's a magnanimous gesture by them."
"Also, the company told me to wait till we get accident insurance claim. The company said it's a big amount and we shouldn't leave without it. But this is taking a long time. It's in court and we have been given dates each month from August," Moorthy said.
The company owner said they are helping in all possible ways. "The case to get insurance claim is in court. Next hearing is in the first week of November. We want to send Chithiravel back to his family with his deserved claim. The money will be useful to his family. It's taking long but they have to be here to get their claim," the owner said.
The Indian Embassy will offer stretcher facility to help with repatriation. "It's sad. The embassy will offer help. We are always ready to help anyone in need," the official said.
Moorthy said he had knocked many door for help. "It is Indian People's Forum Abu Dhabi general secretary Aji Vasudevan who is helping me at various stages," Moorthy added.
Aji Vasudevan said he has been behind this case for few months now. "We are awaiting settlement of insurance claims. This is the only delay as rest everything is managed."
Chithiravel's wife and three-year girl are awaiting his return back in Tamil Nadu.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com