RAS AL KHAIMAH // Weeks after it launched, an Emirati family run charity has paid the medical bills of dozens of needy young hospital patients.
The Joud Foundation has helped 34 children with treatment at Saqr Hospital in RAK since it was set up with help from the community three months ago, Ghalya Salman, the charity’s vice president, said.
“We help and support underprivileged kids who are living in the country from all nationalities, not only locals. We are a small team of my mother, sister, cousin and two of my mother’s friends.
“My mother works in the Ministry of Health and she sees all kinds of cases that come to Saqr Hospital and how many families can’t afford to pay, so she decided to help them.”
Among the youngsters who have benefited from the foundation’s generosity is Malak Ali Mustafa.
The 10-year-old Egyptian has suffered from epilepsy for the last three years and was admitted to the hospital after a sudden and violent attack caused her to pass out.
However, her father, Ali Mustafa, was unable to meet the cost of treatment.
“When I took her to the hospital, I had in my wallet about Dh500. The [cashier] told me I have to pay Dh850 and I told them I do not have the money to pay the amount,” said Mr Mustafa, who was told soon after that the costs had been covered by the foundation on his behalf.
Mr Mustafa, who never asked for help, said he was shocked to be told the fees had been paid.
“Until now I do not know who had paid the fees but this service had helped me too much and made me happy that this world still has good people who know where to put their money,” he said.
The not-for-profit Joud Foundation raises money in collaboration with Al Hamra Real Estate and the Beit Al Khair charitable society. It chose Saqr Hospital because it is one of the largest in the emirate, said Ms Salman.
In March, it held a spring food festival that attracted 2,500 people, including members of the RAK royal family, that raised about Dh15,000. The following month a food and crafts market, attended by 5,000 people, raised another Dh15,000 and a charity golf tournament raised Dh18,000.
The cash is used to help needy children and staff at the hospital inform the foundation of any families who have difficulties paying for treatment. Often the patients have been allowed to leave the hospital while arrangements are made to pay the bill.
Four-year-old Iranian Khalid Waleed Al Bulooshi’s medical bills were settled after he and his family had left the UAE. His grandfather, who did not have the cash to cover Khalid’s treatment for polio, was informed by telephone that his debt had been paid.
Barry Ebrahimy, head of the commercial department at Al Hamra Real Estate, said residents at the 5,000-home community have been supportive of the foundation and regularly turn out in large numbers to support fundraising events.
“Our village’s residents are from 64 nations are they are excited about this. Every time you can make a small difference and see the difference in front of you, then you get encouraged to do more.
“We invite local and international brands to come and display outdoor food and crafts. We provide the space, electricity, stands and venue free of charge. All these brands and retailers donate money on their own to the foundation, as well as individuals who visit and donate.”
Mr Ebrahimy added that the foundation and the Al Hamra Village community are planning a host of fundraising activities during Ramadan this year and the Eid holidays.
“We are planning to work with other hospitals and other emirates and are working with Beit Al Khair because it is nationwide and can help us to get access to other hospitals around the UAE,” said Ms Salman.
roueiti@thenational.ae