DAMMAM, 16 March 2004 — The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) in the Eastern Province wants treatment for a severely injured expatriate stopped so he can be deported. The patient worked as a teacher in the Kingdom for 25 years, Al-Watan Arabic newspaper reported.
According to the patient’s brother, the 45-year-old teacher suffered severe injuries in a hit-and-run accident eight months ago. He was taken to Dammam General Hospital and then to Al-Mowasah hospital.
“Two days ago the school where he worked got a letter from GOSI saying that he should be transported back home within 10 days or the cost of treatment will be on the school,” the brother said.
“GOSI is supposed to take care of the patient financially until he gets better or dies,” he added.
According to a report from the hospital, the patient can open his eyes but cannot talk and needs to stay in hospital. But the letter from GOSI says the patient’s condition is stable
The brother has urged GOSI to review the case because the patient, who needs round-the-clock care cannot leave the hospital in his current condition. The family cannot afford the high cost of a private nurse to look after him.
Ali Al-Sadoon, a legal consultant, said social insurance regulations require that the patient be treated until he recovers. The family has the right to appeal the GOSI decision, he told Al-Watan.
