By SIRAJ WAHAB ARAB NEWSPublished: Jul 18, 2010 23:14 Updated: Jul 19, 2010 03:17
ALKHOBAR: Although there have been many cases of housemaid abuse reported over the years, a vast number of household helpers across the Kingdom are treated like family members.
Such is the case of Marilou Lorenzo Ramirez who likely will lead a longer life thanks to the generosity and concern of her Saudi employer.
The 41-year-old housemaid was hired in the Philippines two years ago by Khaled A. Abdul Qader, a senior planner at Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) in Jubail. Ramirez worked in the household for a year and won the hearts of Abdul Qader’s family with her dedication and hard work.
Five months ago, a brain hemorrhage paralyzed Ramirez. Abdul Qader first took her to Al-Mouwasat Hospital where he bore the complete costs of her treatment. Realizing the gravity of her illness, Abdul Qader requested the Ministry of Health to get her treated at a government-run hospital.
Ramirez was then shifted to King Fahd Hospital in Hofuf where doctors felt there was an immediate need to operate upon her, but they needed the permission from Ramirez’ relatives in the Philippines. Abdul Qader contacted her daughter, Saramy Amando, in Antipolo City near the capital Manila. She gave her consent, and the doctors, consulting neurosurgeon Abdul Mohsen Nasser Al-Mulhim and neurosurgeons Ahmed Zaitoni and Essam Mohammed, performed the operation with incredible success.
“The doctors said it was a very difficult and delicate operation, and its success was nothing short of a miracle,” said the head nurse at the hospital.
“We are very grateful for the support of Ramirez’ sponsor and the good doctors for not giving up on her case,” said Labor Attaché David Des T. Dicang, head of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the Eastern Region.
“The sponsor called Ramirez’ daughter several times to get the consent of the family to operate on her,” he told Arab News. “The Filipino medical staff at King Fahd Hospital has nothing but praise for the hospital management, doctors and her employer for not giving up. It is our prayer that Ramirez will get closer to her full recovery with each day that goes by.”
Ramirez left for the Philippines from Dammam on Saturday night via Saudi Arabian Airlines with two nurse escorts.
Abdul Qader, the sponsor, paid for the plane fare — business class, no less. He also paid for medicines and a wheelchair.
“As per our office request, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Manila coordinated with the family of Ramirez to provide her special airport assistance upon arrival in the Philippines and also to see how she can be covered with disability and medical benefits back home,” added Dicang, who saw Ramirez off at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport.
“I am happy to see her smile. She will take some time to recover. Whatever we did, we saw it as our duty to help her in her difficult times,” Abdul Qader told Arab News at the airport.
“She is a wonderful person. I have three children. They are all grown and are abroad. My wife and I were the ones she was helping. We felt bad when she fell ill,” said Abdul Qader.
“I have tried my best to provide all possible help. As per her daughter’s advice I will send her dues to her daughter. I wish her well. The doctors at the hospital did a wonderful job. Alhamdulillah. She survived, and we wish her complete recovery,” he said.
Note:
I am proud to say I personally know Khalid Abdulkhader, the man with a heart of gold. We used to work together in SABIC under the same business unit. May your tribe increase ya Abu Abdullah!