Bhatkal: A Bhatkali man who is battling for his life at the Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Azeez hospital in Riyadh is facing another problem pertaining to his condition: the hospital bill and the lack of co-operation from his visa sponsor. It has been nine months since Makde Abubakr was admitted in the hospital after he suffered serious injuries in a road accident. Abubakr was crossing a road by walk when a speeding car rammed into him. Gravely injured, he was rushed to the Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Azeez hospital where he has been treated since. However, his local sponsor didn't bother to even visit him to complete the paper work at the hospital. Abubakr has been in coma since the accident.

Despite the efforts of several Bhatkali people, Abubakr couldn't be brought back to India. "A major obstacle for his discharge is the huge bill which has mounted to 5 Lakh Saudi Riyals which roughly amount to 1 crore Indian rupees." Said Dr. Zaheer Kola, general secretary of Bhatkal Muslim Jamaat - Riyadh. "Along with Dr. Waseem Manna, we tried our best to have him sent back to India soon after the accident. However, despite our repeated requests, his sponsor didn't come to the hospital to complete the paper work." He added. 

Abubakr's father-in-law, Mr. Mohammed Ali who resides in Haneefabad, left no stone unturned to get his son-in-law back to India. Apart from Bhatkal Muslim Jamaat - Riyadh, members of Gangoli Jamaat and Murdeshwar Jamaat also tried to have Abubakr sent back to India. When their efforts also failed, Mr. Mohammed contacted SahilOnline through Mr. Syed Ali, a member of the Heble Panchayat. 

SahilOnline contacted the Minister for External Affairs (MEA) Sushma Swaraj via twitter and sought help in the matter. Swaraj replied back immediately and asked to meet the welfare officer at the Indian Embassy. After her response, the Indian Embassy also contacted SahilOnline and asked to send all the details on a provided email address. 

The embassy has said that an officer has been tasked to visit Mr. Abubakr at the hospital along with a relative of his.

Abubakr is aged 40 and has 4 children including two sons and two daughters. His eldest son is in class 10.