Unpaid wages, stroke add to expat worker’s hardship

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

For some, life hardly offers any chance to take the edge off suffering and pain. Indian expatriate Sabu Chakkara Divakaran is among those unfortunate individuals who have been facing a plethora of challenges, which are getting bigger day-by-day. According to sources, Sabu first came to Bahrain nearly 10 years ago looking for greener pastures.

“Hailing from impoverished backgrounds, he came to Bahrain with an aim to lift his family from extreme poverty. “However, his dreams could not be fulfilled. Inconsistent jobs and subsequent lack of proper income would serve severe obstacles in his journey forward in the Kingdom.” Sabu’s misery reached new heights after the owner of the hotel, where he was employed, allegedly refused to pay him for over 10 months.

“The distraught 48-year-old would fall into severe mental depression as he was unable to support his family back home. “He also struggled to make both ends meet here,” the sources said, adding that he was only able to send a remittance of BD35 in support to the family during the whole last year.

Adding to the ordeal, oneand-a-half months ago, Sabu fell unconscious on the road. “Some police officers took him to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) hospital and he was diagnosed with stroke.” “The doctors have suggested taking Sabu to his native place for further treatment, which would cost thousands of Bahraini dinars. His family, which struggles to eke out a daily living, can’t afford the treatment,” the sources pointed out.

“Sabu’s wife works as a daily wage labourer and manages the family expenses now. The couple’s two daughters are students - one pursuing a laboratory technician course and the other higher secondary course. “The children’s educational future also faces uncertainty owing to non-payment of fees at the institutions, where they are enrolled for their studies.” Sabu hails from the Thiruvananthapuram district in the South Indian state of Kerala. Those who would like to know more about the medical condition of Sabu, can contact Satheesan (39015732) and Sabu Chiramel (34599051).

Sabu’s family members can be contacted on +919567875924. The Daily Tribune earlier reported increasing cases of cardiac arrests and stroke among the expatriates. Dr Babu Ramachandran, American Mission Hospital’s leading physician, said a particular reason could not be pinpointed for cardiac arrest cases or stroke.

“I feel that stress is a major factor that has contributed to this rise in cases.” Last week, the newspaper reported about a 62-yearold Indian expatriate woman, who has been seriously ill and bed-ridden and is set to fly home. It is learnt that Radhika Baignath, who has been bed-ridden for over one-and-a-half years now, will continue her treatment in India.

Last December, The Daily Tribune reported the ordeal faced by Radhika and her family, which comprises 66-year-old husband Mangalnand Kishore and 11-year-old son Prince Kumar. According to sources, Radhika suffered a stroke two years ago and her health condition was worsened by acute diabetes and hypertension. She has been undergoing treatment at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC). The family hails from the Unnao district in the Uttar Pradesh State of India.