Kerala monitor Malayali dies in accident

KERALAMONITOR

Kunjuraman Dies in Sohar hospital after lying in coma for three months

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A Malayali worker had a tragic death in Sohar Hospital after lying in a state of coma for more than three months. Kunjuraman Binu (Suresh Kumar 33 yeas) from Azhoor, Chiryankeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram who has been ailing in the Sohar hospital following a serious road accident in Sohar, died here on Thursday morning October 4, 2001. Even though the victim has been in a state of coma needed to be taken to Kerala for further treatment, Dhofar Insurance Company did not settle the case.

Highlighting the tragic case of Kunjuraman a specific complaints was lodged with NORKA (Non Resident Keralite Affairs) and other authorities seeking immediate help to send Binu for treatment. Even though he was seriously injured, his life could have been saved if the concerned authorities considered the matter a bit more seriously. Suresh was admitted to the Sohar hospital on April 15, 2001 and he required nursing care and attendance care 24 hours of the day. Without any close relatives or family here, he was looked after by one Mr. Suresh Kumar, who brought him to work for a construction company.

Now the the Insurance company can settle the matter with RO 5,000 only as against maximum amount of RO 30,000 which is the claim amount if the patient was sent alive to Kerala. The tragic death of Binu raises issues about settling insurance claims of Indians who die here. Large number of insurance compensation cases are pending with insurance companies. If the patient dies in Oman, the compensation amount is only RO 5,000. The patient has been in such a critical condition that delaying his transfer to Kerala complicated the illness. Acording to a medical report, (copy submitted to the Indian Embassy in early June 2001, he was bed ridden and severely disabled. He did not recognize or communicate with anybody in anyway.

Kunjuraman Binu, --known as Suresh in his hometown-- from Chirayankiizhu Azhoor, Ayante Veedu met with this tragic accident hardly one week after coming to Oman. Despite media reports, leading social organisations here did not come forward with any help. Attempts were made to get the medical bill of RO 2000 reduced with the help of the Ministry of Health. His neighbour Suresh Babu has been complaining about the delay in getting insurance claim from Dhofar Insurance. His situation has been deteriorating and he needed to be sent to Kerala for further treatment, Suresh Babu said in the complaint to NORKA. Despite media reports about the tragic situation facing the helpless Malayali, many of the so called social organisations did not extent much help.