Indian taxi driver stuck on ventilator for 6 weeks

Abu Dhabi-based taxi driver Elias Koilparambil George

 An Indian man, who suffered a brain stroke, is on a ventilator at a private hospital in the Capital since July 16. His family is keen to move him to his home state of Kerala but the hospital has recommended traveling through an air ambulance. The family isn't financially sound and their misery mounts with each passing day.
On July 15, a Friday, Abu Dhabi-based taxi driver Elias Koilparambil George was driving in Baniyas when he felt severe headache and immediately called his brother Austine Bruce. "He had lost balance and looked dizzy. I rushed him to a private clinic and from there to Ahalia Hospital in Mussafah. Due to the severity of the case, they suggested we shift to a specialty hospital. We called all hospitals but it was Cleveland Clinic who opened doors to us," Bruce, who is with an interior designing firm, told Khaleej Times.
The hospital has told Bruce that he may now take George back to Kerala for further medical care.
"We are ready to let him go, provided it's on an air ambulance," a doctor said.
George has an insurance cover and it comes as big relief for the family. "However, air ambulance expenses are not covered," rued Bruce.
"We want to take him back to Kerala. The hospital has also told us that recovery will take time. Once in Kerala, we have lot many people to help."
His wife Mary Anju was here on a visit visa to take care of her ailing husband but returned last week.
The cost of flying in an air ambulance will range between $60,000-$70,000 (Dh210,000). The commercial service will cost $15-$20,000 (Dh73,000), an official at an air ambulance firm said.
Bruce said a commercial flight can be tried as it's cheaper option but the risk factor is 'very high'.
George's father KE Philodas, who is in Fort Kochi, has written to the office of Indian External Affairs Ministry on August 2 and awaiting response. Letters seeking intervention have also been shot to Indian state and national leaders of all political colours. Bruce said he has contacted the Indian Embassy and they are looking into it. "I am also counting on the social welfare associations," he said.
Bruce is grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for their service. "I can't thank enough the doctors."
The 42-year-old was working with National Taxi for more than two years and was back on June 6 after his annual vacation. On his return, he was posted to ply on Baniyas route.
The family has set everything at Medial Trust Hospital in Kochi and even got permission from the Indian Naval Base for landing of air ambulance. "We save time by not going to the Cochin International Airport," Bruce added.
The family has made all preparations back home and his two children - aged 4 and 11 - await their father's return.