Seriously-ill housemaid to undergo treatment in India

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

A housemaid who has been suffering from serious health conditions finally flew back home after being offered timely support by the Indian Embassy, social workers and many generous individuals.

Indian national Selvanayaki Velu Perumal, 55, was admitted to SMC on July 12, 2022, after suffering hypertension and stroke, according to social workers.

She came to the Kingdom 10 years ago to work as a domestic worker and because of her family situation she failed to maintain her health along with hard work, according to sources. Due to sudden high blood pressure, she suffered from a stroke and was admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC, the sources said.

“A small improvement was seen after the treatment, which was only partially successful. She was unable to stand or speak on her own.”

The Daily Tribune previously reported that she needed to return home immediately for additional treatment.

“As she was on a stretcher, the Kingdom’s private airlines were charging around BD2,500 for the journey back home.”

According to the doctors, Selvanavaki’s medical condition could be cured if the right treatment was given at the right time, and her family in India was eagerly awaiting her arrival for further treatment.

Mr. Shankar Velu, the ailing maid’s cousin, contacted Senthikumar GK, a social worker affiliated with Annai Tamil Mandram, asking for assistance and to send her back to native.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Mr. Senthilkumar said, “We were taking legal action for her journey, after various attempts were made as a result of tireless efforts and the kindness of many well-wishers.

“On Thursday night, Ms. Selvanayaki finally flew back from the Kingdom on Gulf Airlines. Mr. Palaniswami, the secretary of our social welfare department, went right away and made arrangements to be picked up from the airport in Chennai, she was welcomed by officials and sent by ambulance to the Aritalur hospital,” he continued.

“Considering her situation, many people have helped in one way or another, he expresses his sincere gratitude to the administration of SMC, the National Domestic Workers Society for providing free ambulances in Tamil Nadu, and he thanked The Daily Tribune for the support.”