UAE government funds Dh400,000 for surgery of young girl’s ears

A girl, Michelle Grace, in UAE is now living a normal life after the country's government stepped in to pay Dh400,000 for her cochlear implants, which are electronic devices used to improve hearing.

A girl, Michelle Grace, in UAE is now living a normal life after the country’s government stepped in to pay Dh400,000 for her cochlear implants, which are electronic devices used to improve hearing.

Dominique Villafuerte, her mother, shared her story on the Twitter feed of Expo 2020 Dubai and described how the government’s donation changed their life when there was little hope left.

Advertisement

She explained that before joining the Expo in 2017, they discovered their daughter was deaf and required cochlear implants.

That year was coincidentally the Year of Giving, and the ‘Help Me Hear initiative’ was being carried out under the Ministry of Health.

She stated that they were fortunate enough to be given a chance to have their daughter’s cochlear implant for her right ear free of cost upon the courtesy of the UAE Government.

But the girl was able to hear only from her right ear.

Ms Villafuerte stated that she began working for the Expo during 2018, and in one of the national day celebrations for the staff, she shared the story of her daughter with other colleagues and the Expo team.

Then in 2019, a member of the communications team remembered her story and wanted to make a quick video about it.

Advertisement

She then shared the video with Dr Eman AlHouli from Sharjah’s Al Qassimi hospital, who did the first surgery, and she asked why we did not do the surgery for the left ear.

Each surgery costs about Dh200,000, so they didn’t go for the surgery on the other ear as they didn’t have much money. So, Dr Eman asked them to come and visit her in her clinic.

Dr Eman told them that the Ministry approved the other surgery of Health just because of the link that her mother shared with the doctor.

She said her daughter got her other surgery because of the Expo video.

Ms Villafuerte stated that her daughter had her second surgery during December 2019, and she has heard from both ears ever since.

Tariq Saeed

Read More

Middle East: Carriers offer free rescheduling for Covid-19 positive passengers

According to the department, there has been a setback for the Middle East passengers to get tested positive in the 48-hour RT-PCR test or...

“Dubai Expat, 15, Eyes 2028 Olympics After Winning All England Championship

This victory marks her first singles title, achieved with a straight-sets win over Suneri Chinthalapati of the US in the final. Mysha, a natural left-hander, initially started playing badminton right-handed, inspired by her sister, Taabia, who was dominating the junior circuit with her right-hand smashes

India’s billionaire Mukesh Ambani breaks world record, buys most expensive villa in Dubai

The wealthiest Indian, and one of the top most prosperous men in the world, Mukesh Ambani, buys the most expensive villa in Dubai for a record-breaking $163 million.

Recent

Dubai: Woman and her brother sentenced for six months of jail after they kidnapped and robbed her ex-boyfriend

An expat woman and her brother kidnapped her former boyfriend of the woman and robbed him, after which they both were sentenced to six months in prison.

India: Voice of Global Virtual Summit to be held on January 12 and 13

New Delhi, India: The special virtual summit called 'The Voice of Global South' is scheduled to be held between January 12 and 13. The event will focus on discussing the priorities of the global south and ensuring a favourable environment during the sitting of Foreign Affair Ministers.

Sheikh Dr Rashid, son of Fujairah’s ruler joins major clean-up operation after heavy floods

An individual of the ruling family of Fujairah came in to support a significant clean-up drive which is being carried out in the city after flash floods resulted in widespread damage to homes and properties.
admin