Paralysed woman gets help as Saif orders visa for maid

Dubai: A domestic help to take care of a woman paralysed since a February 2006 caesarian section that delivered twin babies has been granted a visa.

Umm Ramzi, a Palestinian, told Gulf News that her daughter Dr Reem's "carer" visa for a maid, Shama, was issued yesterday by Sharjah Naturalisation and Residency Department (SNRD), thanks to special instructions from Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior.

"It is a humanitarian case. Such cases must be taken into consideration. Help must be offered to them," Shaikh Saif earlier told Gulf News, which first reported Dr Reem's story about three years ago.

Shaikh Saif said the UAE has always helped those in need. "Every effort must be made to help those in trouble, no matter who they are, or where they come from," he had said.

A bedridden Dr Reem will probably never cradle her twin babies, Gassan and Bisan, in her arms.

The 30-year-old can only blink her eyes after complications during delivery at Al Qasimi Hospital resulted in brain damage. It is alleged that delay in treatment and lack of proper equipment resulted in the complications.

"I am very thankful to Shaikh Saif. He is kind and generous. My ill daughter Reem has someone to take care of her while I am away or busy. When I am away from my daughter I spend the time worrying that something could happen to her. Shaikh Saif comforted my heart," Umm Ramzi said.

"I went yesterday to SNRD and the officials were very helpful. I feel peace of mind now," she said. The family's torment continued after Reem was moved home and Umm Ramzi could not afford a domestic help.

"We are ordinary people, but Shaikh Saif has stood by us," Umm Ramzi said.