UAE Helping Hands: ‘kidney treatment has taken everything I have’

The Syrian, 34, was able to pay for tri-weekly kidney dialysis sessions for two years, while keeping his business going.

Daar A, an expat from Syria, urgently needs dialysis. Christopher Pike / The National

FUJAIRAH // Daar A worked hard to ensure would never have to ask others to fund his medical treatment.

The Syrian, 34, was able to pay for his three times a week kidney dialysis sessions for two years, while keeping his business going.

In the end, his company failed and he was left penniless. He sold his car and all of his belongings to pay for dialysis, which cleanses the kidneys and prevents toxins from overloading the organs.

Daar also began treatment at the cheapest hospital he could find, where treatment costs Dh750 a session.

“I go for dialysis three times a week at a government hospital and have always managed to cover the costs of my treatment, up until two years ago,” he says.

“I had some money saved which I used to pay for my treatment but now I don’t have a single dirham in my house. I owe my landlord money and haven’t been able to pay my utilities bill.”

Daar supports two children, aged three and two.

“This is the cheapest hospital I could find. I also have thyroid problems and it generously pays for my medication and blood tests, but not the dialysis,” he says.

Daar is a Fujairah resident and does not have health insurance.

“I’ve asked for money from various charities, but they can only help for a month’s worth of treatment and one time only. They can’t help again during the same year.

“I am out of options and don’t know who to turn to for help.”

For Daar, missing even one dialysis session is dangerous.

“I have never missed one before but I cannot afford my next session this week. No charity can help and I have no one to borrow from,” he said.

“My family is at home in Syria and they need all the help they can get.

“I had hoped that I could find a job and get better to bring them here to the UAE. I worry about them all the time and the situation is very bad there,” he said.

Hisham Al Zahrani, manager of zakat and social services at Dar Al Ber, said the situation is taking its toll on Daar.

“With the pressure of finding money to pay for his dialysis and worrying about his family, his physical and metal health is deteriorating,” Mr Al Zahrani says.

“We hope that through your donations we can help alleviate some of his pain and stress. Time is of essence as always since his next session is tomorrow and he will miss it if we cannot raise enough money for him,”