An Indian expat sought help for his ailing mother, who was admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Dubai for 40 days – which has been ravaged by drones and missiles during the ongoing conflict between Israel, Iran and the US. The ongoing conflict has disrupted people’s normal lives with flight cancellations and skyrocketing ticket prices. The hospitality sector – the Gulf nation’s lifeline – is among the hardest hit as tourists flee and beach bars, shopping malls and five-star hotels remain eerily empty.
Medical emergency after the visit
Thilakkumar Jalathu Aniruthraraj and his wife Shaamini Ramesh – who hail from Tamil Nadu – have been living in Dubai for eight years. Thilakkumar’s mother had recently traveled from India to visit her son and daughter-in-law, but little did she know that circumstances were not in her favor. She suddenly developed a severe bacterial infection and was admitted to the hospital; it’s been 40 days since he was in the ICU.
An NDTV report said he will need a ventilator for at least two more months.
Increasing hospital costs
As a single mother, Thilakkumar’s mother endured enormous efforts to bring him up. Today, the roles seem reversed as he stands helpless by her hospital bed, unable to afford mounting medical expenses.
The financial burden is huge. Hospital fees alone amount to approx ₹3,000,000 per day, without scanning or specialized procedures. The total bill has already reached ₹1.25 million and continues to almost grow ₹4 million per day.
Evacuation plans disrupted
Desperate to save their mother’s life, the couple opted for more affordable medical treatment in India. Doctors gave her the go-ahead to travel on March 4 on a commercial medical escort flight that would cost ₹7 lakhs. However, the flight was canceled due to the war.
Their only option now is to secure a private air ambulance. However, due to the ongoing conflict, costs have shot up almost sevenfold ₹50 lakhs.
“We are working class people; we are not in a position to finance this,” Thilakkumar told NDTV. “The biggest burden right now is the air ambulance, I need it ₹50 grand immediately just to get her home.”
Ask for help
The family has to pay hospital fees at the time of discharge and hopes the hospital will offer some relief. However, even if a discount is given, it is unlikely to be exceeded ₹10 to 15 million. The couple also asked for help from a charity in Dubai.
Shaamini added that even if funding is secured, securing an air ambulance slot remains a major challenge. “The availability of air rescuers is extremely low given the current situation,” she said.
“We need to book a slot in advance to plan the airlift. The availability of air ambulance is very low given the current situation,” said Shaamini.
