UAE Helping Hands: Numbers don’t add up for working man losing his hearing

Accountant Samiullah Mohammadin is in danger of losing his hearing and needs Dh25,000 to repair his eardrums, which have ruptured. Victor Besa for The National

Samiullah Mohammadin is not only the breadwinner for his wife and six-month-old daughter in Dubai, but up to 25 more family members in his native Afghanistan also depend on his salary of Dh4,000 for survival.

Today, Mr Mohammadin is appealing for help not for himself, but for the people who depend upon him. He was told this month that he is in danger of losing his hearing and needs an operation costing Dh25,000 to save it.

He has no health insurance and cannot afford the surgery on his income.

“The situation in Afghanistan is difficult. It’s not like here. I support so many people back home and they need me,” he says.

Mr Mohammadin is an accountant with a company in Dubai. If he loses his hearing, he will lose his job. He is in constant pain.

“My ears hurt, and sometimes I can’t hear anything at all. Sometimes, there is liquid coming out of them.”

A medical report says both eardrums are ruptured and he needs surgery.

“I wouldn’t have asked for help if I could afford the operation, but I can’t. The Dh4,000 I earn I send to my family and pay my rent,” he says.

“I hope my voice is heard and someone will help.”

Hisham Al Zahrani, manager of zakat and social services at Dar Al Ber, says: “Mr Mohammadin needs Dh25,000 for an operation. If he loses his hearing he will lose his job and it will be hard for him to get another”.

“It’s not only his life that will be affected, but also the dozens of others who depend on him.”

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Here’s how you can help

Call the hotline at 0502955999, or send a WhatsApp message to the same number. Donations can be made by depositing the amount at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank account, Iban number AE9805 000 000 000 11530734 or Dubai Islamic Bank account, Iban number AE8002 4000 352 0443 1952 01. Donations go towards paying Samiullah’s medical care.