UAE | General
Paralysed woman stranded in Sharjah hospital
Hospital officials have appealed for members of the public to donate money so that an elderly, hospitalised woman can return home.
- By Bassma Al Jandaly, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:30 November 21, 2008
- Image Credit: Bassma Al Jandaly/Gulf News
- Rinoka, a former domestic worker, lies in her bed at Al Kuwait Hospital.
Sharjah: Hospital officials have appealed for members of the public to donate money so that an elderly, hospitalised woman can return home.
Rinoka, a 52-year-old Sri Lankan woman, was found in an unconscious state by Sharjah police. She was taken to Al Kuwait hospital and diagnosed with severe health problems that have left her paralysed.
It was discovered that Rinoka previously worked as a maid for a family in Sharjah.
"The woman is too old and sick to work as a domestic helper. She is paralysed now and needs long-term care," an official from the hospital said.
The official said the only way Rinoka can travel back to her native Sri Lanka is by paying Dh23,000 for a ticket that grants her access to a bed on the aircraft.
"We have discovered that her daughter works as a maid for a family in Dubai. She has only visited her mother once," he said.
The official said it had taken two months to identify Rinoka's sponsor.
"We asked the sponsor why he had not searched for her all that time and if there was an absconding case against Rinoka, but he said there was not," the official said.
The hospital has contacted the Sri Lankan consulate in Dubai about the situation.
"The consulate is asking for a detailed letter about Rinoka's case. We are in the process of readying that letter," the official said.
He added that Rinoka needed to return home to be with her family as soon as possible.
"Rinoka deeply wishes to travel to her country. She told us she wanted to be home as she is afraid to die away from her family," the official said.
Latest news
- Dubai Police deny reports of Burj Khalifa fire
- New road eases traffic problems in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi hosts strong man contest
- Farmers to be taught techniques to improve yield
- Keep recycling bins open
- UAE's first home-grown unmanned aerial vehicle
- Telling stories with sand
- President of Wollongong varsity about his plans
- Challenging role in Libya
- Parachuting event promises rich fare
- UAE ministry backs efficacy of Tas'heel system
- UAE students on research trip to Antarctica
- Brothers held in Sharjah for possessing heroin
- Fund drive for displaced Syrians launched
- FNC has kept pace with development — Al Murr
Community Reports
-
Keep recycling bins open
People should be allowed to do their part as the world moves towards a greener future
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
