Abu Dhabi: An Indian couple is seeking help to raise Dh240,000 to pay the medical bills of their newborn baby.
The baby girl who was born prematurely at 27 weeks on January 8 is currently in the incubator at Dubai Hospital.
“She has been in the hospital for almost 90 days now. Doctors have said she will have to be in the incubator till she gains at least 1.8kg. And the bills are mounting,” said the father of the child who did not wish to be named.
He said till last week, outstanding dues stood at Dh183,000. “We have somehow managed to raise Dh50,000. But the total bills are expected to go up to Dh240,000 by the time she is ready to be discharged. And staff have hinted charges may go higher if it’s going to be a prolonged stay at the hospital,” said the 39-year-old who works in the automobile industry.
His 32-year-old wife is recuperating after the caesarean.
The couple who married in 2004, underwent IVF treatment at the Gynaecology and Fertility Hospital in Sharjah, to conceive.
“We have had eight failed IFV attempts to conceive since 2007. My wife conceived in the ninth attempt in June 2013. By that time, we had already spent at least Dh180,000 for the failed procedures, as each IVF costs around Dh20,000,” said the father.
However, he said the unexpected caesarean and condition of the baby landed them in financial crisis.
“Our daughter had to be taken out prematurely at 27 weeks and she weighed just 740gm. Now, she is gaining weight and will be soon ready to go home. But we are not in a position to pay the exorbitant medical bills as maternity is not covered by insurance,” said the father.
If you wish to help the family, write to editor@xpress4me.com
