An Indian expat who faced financial difficulties in the UAE and suffered from acute heart failure has been successfully repatriated to India on an airline stretcher with the help of the Indian embassy, a hospital, and a church. Sibimon Babu, a father of two from Kerala, returned to Abu Dhabi on a visit visa in search of better opportunities. Despite finding a job at a restaurant, his pre-existing heart condition worsened, leading to the need for urgent medical attention.
Tino Mathew Thomas, a member of the Mar Thoma Church in Abu Dhabi, spearheaded the efforts to coordinate Babu’s repatriation with the embassy and the hospital. Babu experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent cough, prompting a visit to a private hospital before his residency visa was processed. Following a thorough examination, he was diagnosed with chronic systolic heart failure and cardiogenic shock, posing serious health risks.
Babu’s family in Kerala, who are also church members, sought support from their network to assist in Babu’s case. The church’s priests in Kerala and Mussafah were informed about the situation, leading to emotional support, prayers, and the provision of food for Babu. The hospital recommended Babu’s repatriation to India for further medical care and familial support, prompting the Indian Embassy to step in and facilitate the necessary arrangements.
The Indian Embassy collaborated with the hospital to arrange for Babu’s repatriation, securing his passport from his employer and providing air tickets for an in-flight stretcher. The hospital took care of the logistical details and sent a medical team comprising a doctor and a nurse to accompany Babu to Kerala. Additionally, Babu’s employer made a financial contribution to support his family during this challenging time.
Ultimately, Babu and his wife were flown back to India on an Air India flight from Dubai to Kochi, accompanied by the medical team. He was admitted to the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram for further treatment and care. The cohesive efforts of the embassy, hospital, and church members played a crucial role in ensuring Babu’s safe return to his home country and receiving the necessary medical attention.
