The conundrum of transporting the world's heaviest woman– Iman Ahmad Abdulati, from Cairo to Mumbai for her life-saving surgery continues to vex people as reports suggest that the family may have to cough up as much as Rs 20 lakh to pay for a commercial flight.
The 25-year-old Eman Ahmed, who weighs 500 kg and has been bedridden since she was 11 years old, was first unable to get a visa as embassy officials refused to believe that she could not leave the house and visit their office for a fingerprint scan. However, Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj intervened and Abdulati got her visa.
While Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, chairman of the Institute of Minimal Invasive Surgical Sciences and Research Centre at Saifee Hospital has promised to pay for her medical expenses, the family continues to face hurdles to come to Mumbai.
"We are opening an account in Iman's name for complete transparency. Donors will get to know how we are using the money. The hospital is providing all treatment and surgery free of cost to the patient, as the family can't afford it....I have formed a team to assist in bringing Abdulati to Mumbai for her surgery. My team has written letters to Jet Airways, Air India and Egypt Airways, requesting them to help us. Also, we will initiate communication with the government to help us with the transport," Dr Lakdawala said according to NDTV.
Though doctors reached out to air ambulance services, they were told that the door of the aircraft couldn't accommodate Abdulati.
"It will be easier to transport her in a commercial flight, considering her weight. They can adjust nine seats in the flight tail and put the stretcher there, but it's possible some more modification will be required," said Dr Samir Gokani from Ambucare, who was approached by Dr Lakdawala to airlift Abdulati from Egypt according to NDTV.
