$80,000 in urgent medical funds needed for Filipino domestic helper in SG

On Friday 15 September 2023, our helper Jannet was asleep when she suddenly woke up with severe headache, neck and chest pain. She felt dizzy, nauseous and could not walk or stand properly. Within a few minutes, the pain escalated and she started vomiting. The vomiting lasted for a long time and seeing her condition did not improve, we decided to call the ambulance. She was taken to Accident & Emergency (A&E) at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) where she was diagnosed with a ruptured brain aneurysm and internal bleeding in the brain. She was transferred to National University Hospital (NUH) where she underwent an operation (endovascular coiling) to close up the ruptured blood vessel in the brain. However, the blood from the internal bleeding is still in the brain and impacting the brain fluid from being circulated properly throughout the body. She still suffers from headaches and nausea and is at risk of stroke until the pressure in the brain is relieved. She needs to continue staying in the high dependency ward for observation while doctors relieve the brain fluid through a tube and her condition stabilises. She also has to undergo regular brain scans to check that the blood vessels in the brain have no anomalies after the operation.

Jannet is a dedicated helper and nanny to our 2 young children. She has been working for us for more than 5 years without complaints and putting the needs of our children first. She also has 4 children back home in the Philippines and is the main breadwinner for her family who relies on her for income. Our immediate priority is to get Jannet the medical treatment and care she needs for a full recovery. However, the medical fees are high because of the operation to close the ruptured blood vessel and for the high dependency ward where she needs to stay for further observation and rehabilitation. We had not expected that the medical fees alone would exceed her insurance coverage which may be more than $75,000 based on past cases reported in the media. Her insurance can only cover up to $15,000 for hospitalisation and surgery but this will not be enough to cover the medical fees for her operation and to keep her warded under observation until she can be discharged.

We are sincerely appealing for $80,000 in funds to cover the additional costs beyond the maximum insurance coverage of $15,000 including post hospitalisation treatment and care as she will not be able to work. The interim bill as of 19 Sep is $30,378 and will go up further until she is discharged Any amount big or small would be greatly appreciated. Any excess after paying off her medical fees will be donated to charity.

Thank you