By Vir B. Lumicao
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| Abad shows the ECG electrode patch on her chest while recovering in hospital |
A Filipina helper who collapsed and had a seizure on Friday night in the house of her intended new employer reportedly faces prosecution on suspicion of doing illegal work, apart from a hefty hospital bill.
A. Alba said Monday night that her doctor in Queen Mary Hospital had not yet discharged her pending the results of her two CT scan sessions, blood tests and electrocardiogram that were taken earlier today.
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The patient is also worried about her medical bill, after the hospital sent a reminder of the $5,100 per day hospital stay fee, plus $1,230 emergency fee, the regular charges of public hospitals for non-residents.
Today is her fourth day in hospital, meaning her bill should now amount to $21,630 in total.
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| Her hospital bill shows a $5,100 per day charge for non-residents |
Alba said she had her first Sinovac jab on Thursday and went to her would-be employer’s house the next day. Contrary to regulations, she stayed on and agreed to look after the female employer’s four-month-old baby.
She was taken to the hospital after she lost consciousness in the employer’s house. She said her mouth began to froth and her body, to twitch, and she also lost her eyesight temporarily. She was diagnosed as having suffered a mild stroke.
“It was by coincidence that I was waiting for my visa when I was in her house after my Sinovac vaccination first dose. I had a seizure and they rushed me to the hospital Friday night,” the helper recounted.
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“My mouth was frothing and I suffered a mild stroke. Too bad they said they won’t pay my bills here,” Alba said in a post on OFW Help Group’s Facebook page.
In an update to friends, she said the doctors found a blood clot in her head and a hole in her heart during an echo cardiogram, or ECG. She said her heartbeat has yet to normalize, and she is still waiting for the doctor’s final diagnosis.
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She said she still has to hear from the employer who signed
her up. “My employer hasn’t even followed up on me, doesn’t mind me,” Alba
said.
On top of this, the employer reportedly said the police would investigate her suspected breach of immigration rules because she called 999 when the helper collapsed.
“They are saying I would be deported to the
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Welfare Officer Virsie Tamayao said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration could help Alba talk to the hospital social worker for a possible waiver of the hospital bill as the helper has no employer and no visa.
But Tamayao said the would-be employer could not be blamed for backing out because of the breach of immigration rules.
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Neither could the employer be obliged to pay Alba's hospital bill as there is no contractual relationship between them yet.
The worker had earlier requested for a pair of sandals, used socks and toiletries because, she said, when she regained consciousness, she was already barefoot.
This afternoon, she thanked members of OFW Help Group for the food, clothing and other items they sent her in response to her appeal.
“To everyone who gave help and their time to deliver the aid to me, my boundless thanks. I received instant help and blessings,” Alba said.
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