Ailing expats struggle as they run out of cheaper Indian meds
abu dhabi — With current travel restrictions in place, expats who rely solely on cheaper medicines and treatment back in India are facing problems. The extension of the lockdown in India till May 17 meant ailing expats may have to wait longer for follow-up treatments and deliveries of cheaper medicines to the UAE.
Ouseph J, who is suffering from a gastrointestinal stromal tumour, underwent a surgery in India five years ago and has been taking Imatinib 400mg since then. Most of the time, his travelling friends and colleagues will bring home a pack of medicines for him.
Ouseph’s own travel plans for a follow-up treatment in March got cancelled with the suspension of flights. A pack of 30 Imatinib tablets that costs less than Rs6,000 (Dh290) in India is sold for Dh14,000 in the UAE, he said.
Even with insurance coverage, Ouseph still needs to pay more than Dh4,000, which is way above his salary.
“I was supposed to fly by the end of March. I had medicine stocks till April 15. Now, I have missed tablets for more than two weeks. I can’t afford it here. This is Dh14,000 here, whereas it’s available for around Rs5,000 (Dh242) in India. Also, I don’t have a local prescription,” the 40-year-old said.
When this reporter checked with pharmacies, the medicine was either unavailable or had substitutes at similar rates, which Ouseph can’t afford.
“I am now dependent on courier service. I hope there will be no issues in customs clearance. My insurance card status may also hamper follow-up check-ups here.”
Hoping for a solution
Ummer Rahiman has been on medication for a year after his angioplasty, which was done at a hospital in Sharjah. A few months ago, he was told by his insurance company that his medication can no longer be covered. He used to get medicines from India and had some till March. Now, this option has become temporarily unavailable.
“My medicine for two months costs Rs1,500 (Dh73) in India and the same brand here will make you poorer by Dh1,300. Without insurance cover, I can’t purchase my medicine here and there is a lockdown back in India,” the 52-year-old said.
“I am visiting my doctor here for a follow-up check next week. I hope there will be a solution soon.”
‘Things are getting serious for me’
Abbas Ali has been surviving on a single kidney, with the other removed 10 years ago. He also has a serious medical condition.
“I have a nephrostomy. It’s uncommon. I was operated on in India. Things were fine so far. But now, my follow-up treatment (in India) is affected. My sugar and creatinine levels have shot up. I am in a tight spot and need help,” Ali said. “Due to Covid-19 situation, I am told to stay in my room. I am unwell and can’t cook. Things are getting serious for me.”
I was supposed to fly by the end of March. I had medicine stocks till April 15. Now, I have missed tablets for more than two weeks. I can’t afford it here.” Ouseph J, expat
My medicines for two months cost Rs1,500 (Dh73) in India and the same brand here will make you poorer by Dh1,300.” Ummer Rahiman, expat