Former Ethiopian ambassador gets a new life at RAK Hospital

Airlifted to the hospital from Ethiopia in a semi-comatose state with burst blood vessel in the brain, timely surgical treatment saved the patient’s life

The healthcare institution has gained reputation as the preferred medical tourism destination in emergency cases, particularly from African countries

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, December 19, 2016:   When 60-year-old Nagesh Legesse, former Ethiopian ambassador to Australia, was airlifted from his home country to RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, he was in a semi-comatose state. Suffering from Hemorrhagic Stroke – as a result of leaked/burst blood vessel in the brain – the patient was in need of critical and urgent medical attention. Given his progressively deteriorating state, the medical staff at RAK Hospital, under the guidance of Dr Tinku Jose Kurisinkal, Specialist Neuro Surgeon, immediately stabilized his condition before providing him surgical treatment. Just days later, he was on his feet and back in Ethiopia.

“The patient was transported on a medical ventilator from Ethiopia to RAK Hospital. By this time his neurological reflexes had slowed down to an alarming state with very little spontaneous respiratory activity,” explained Dr Tinku Jose Kurisinkal, “He had already suffered a bullet injury at the same site which further complicated the matter. Because his blood was clotting slower than the normal, we first brought that under control, as well as his blood pressure, since he was suffering from hypertension. 

“For initial stability the patient was given medications to normalise blood pressure, ventilator support of breathing, and IV fluids for hydration, all of which were necessary to support the brain and the body. He was operated upon soon after that and the surgery took around five hours. He was mobilised gradually after the procedure and within hours felt a remarkable improvement in his condition. When the patient left the hospital a few days later, his mobility had greatly improved and was walking with support,” added Dr Kurisinkal. 

RAK Hospital has gained a reputation as a preferred destination for medical tourism, and has particularly attracted patients from African countries. The hospital has gradually created the infrastructure for the ease and comfort of foreign patients, both in terms of hospitality services as well as medical acumen. 

Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO Arabian Healthcare Group and Executive Director, RAK Hospital, said: “At RAK Hospital, we believe that time saved is a life saved. This, combined with our talented, dedicated and caring medical and support staff, has been instrumental in bringing immediate comfort to our patients. We take pride in our Neuroscience Department, which is a Centre of Excellence, run by a team of expert neuro surgeons and neurologists who have experience in conducting high-risk surgeries. 

“We have been receiving significant number of patients from other countries, particularly African countries, and one of the biggest reasons is that we consistently adhere to best practices and ultimately provide the best care. Our success says a lot and this case chalks up yet another achievement for us,” he added.

Mr Legesse and family thanked the team for their excellent handling of the case and the heartfelt empathy shown to them by the RAK Hospital staff.