Filipino nurse in Saudi seeks gov’t help for OFW in coma

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino nurse is seeking the Philippine government’s help in behalf of a comatose Filipino migrant worker in Saudi Arabia who has incurred the equivalent of millions of pesos in unpaid hospital bills.

 

The patient, Restituto Galigao, was admitted to the Dr Erfan and Bagedo General Hospital in Jeddah on November 28, a medical report obtained by Rappler showed.

Hospital records showed his first name as “Restatito,” but his certification with the Overseas Placement Association of the Philippines showed “Restituto.”

His wife Nelda told Rappler Galigao started working as a driver in Jeddah in 2005. He is nicknamed “Resty.”

Galigao “did not regain his full brain function and mental capacity…. Now, he is demented but fully conscious, bed-ridden with 4 limbs contractures inspite of regular physiotherapy,” the undated hospital report read.

Nurse Merralyn Amatorio, the fellow overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who helped bring Galigao on November 25 to the hospital where she worked, said Galigao was in and out of comatose.

She said Galigao suffered a cardiac arrest at the Amatorio family’s Saudi home during a casual lunch.

“Kasi po naisip ko kung sa ibang hospital ko dadalahin, hindi siya tatanggapin…. At isa pa ho wala siyang kasama,” Amatorio explained in her written narration of the incident. (If I brought him to another hospital, he might not be admitted…. Also, he wouldn’t have company.)

Amatorio arrived in the Philippines on Monday, March 16, and immediately sought help from government officials the following day with the assistance of pro-OFW advocacy group Filipino Lifeline Incorporated.

“Kinausap na ako ng medical director, iho-hold nila ‘yung salary ko,” Amatorio said. (The medical director have told me the hospital will withhold my salary.)

Galigao’s now owes Dr Erfan and Bagedo General Hospital over 210,000 Saudi Riyals or P2.5 million in medical expenses.

Senators’ help

Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Cynthia Villar, and Aquilino Pimentel III have committed to assist in Galigao’s case.

Edward Era of Filipino Lifeline, who met Amatorio upon her return, said Angara committed to help refer the case to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus Yabes.

Amatorio was referred to Lifeline by fellow OFW Atoy Esguerra.

“Kung hindi tutulong ang gobyerno, sino ang tutulong sa amin?” she asked. (If the government won’t help us, who will?)

Recalling her 4-month plight, the Filipino nurse said it is important for OFWs to locate support networks.

“Kailangan talaga alam mo kung kanino ka lalapit at kung saan ka hihingi ng tulong. Alam mo rin dapat ‘yung karapatan mo bilang OFW,” she said. (You need to know who to turn to and ask help from. You should also know your rights as an OFW.)

Amatorio said she sought help from the Philippine consul in Jeddah, but 4 months of alleged inaction caused hospital bills to balloon.

A recent study by the University of Southern California (USC) said technology-based networking services for OFWs must be developed “so they can connect with their support networks while abroad. (READ: Tech-based services needed to protect OFWs – research)

The Philippines is a known labor-sending country, with over 10 million Filipinos either temporarily working or permanently residing abroad. OFWs’ remittances comprise more than a 10th of the country’s gross national income.

President Benigno Aquino III, however, envisions “a government that creates jobs at home so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity.” – Rappler.com

*1 Saudi Riyal = P11.89