CANACONA, SEPT 23
When a youth from Canacona landed up in Dubai in search of a brighter future, little did he realise that his life would be turned upside down within days of his arrival in the Gulf.
Jackson Coutinho (28) of Ordhofond-Canacona reached Dubai after a sustained hunt for a decent job and joined a catering company as a technician with a hope of becoming a sole bread-earner to his family.
But as the fate would have it on the third day of his arrival one-and-half month ago, he suffered from high fever and was admitted in hospital.
Since then, he is lying seriously ill in the ICU of Al-Rashid Hospital, Dubai, reportedly with multiple organ failure.
Back home in Ordhfond-Canacona, the frantic parents are helpless and have now relied on fervent prayers at the local church.
Special prayers, including a whole night retreat, was recently conducted in Bhatpal Church, with the priest leading the faithful in fervent prayers to God to cure Jackson from his serious ailment.
According to a report published in ‘Gulfnews’ quoting Dr Raess Ahmad, head of ICU at Rashid Hospital, Coutinho has his liver, kidneys and lungs severely damaged.
He was operated on Monday for internal bleeding in his abdomen and doctors found his pancreas also infected.
However, what surprised his family back home and people, who now help him in Dubai, including one of his cousins and Dubai Church authorities, is that he was hale and healthy when he left from Goa via Mumbai.
The only incident was that of an upset stomach when he along with his friends ate out in Mumbai, before being admitted to Dubai hospital in a serious condition.
His well-wishers in the Gulf reportedly on advice of the doctors at Al Rashid Hospital are planning to shift him to Hindujas Hospital in Mumbai, provided his condition improves.
Hopes are high, as he has been reportedly responding to medicines in recent days.
But the major hitch is financial resources in footing of hefty bills of Al-Rashid Hospital, Dubai, increasing on daily basis, the travelling expenses of shifting him on a stretcher and accompanying medics and the subsequent cost of admission, treatment in Hindujas Hospital.
Sources informed that he has no one in his family or his well-wishers in Dubai who are financially capable of footing the huge expenses needed to save his life.
Some organizations and individuals have now made widespread appeals on the internet and local media for donation to the cause.
St Mary’s Goan (ex-Sodality) Community, a church body in Dubai, is taking the initiative to assist Jackson and has appealed to donate for generating necessary funds.
Persons to be contacted for contributions include Navita Barretto (00971-50-8559562) and Maria Fernandes (00971-50-4577209).
The Gulf News report has also appealed for funds asking those wanting to reach out can write to [email protected].
Besides, individuals too who visit Jackson on his hospital bed have sent e-mails to their contacts for prayers and financial help.
One Praveen Viegas writes: “Please act immediately if you are willing, as funds are required for the flight arrangement. You can also contact Fr Frank, Fr Michael in St Mary’s Church, Dubai.”
