Pal's timely action saves expat’s life

Manama : June Mercado owes his life to his colleagues. A casual visit by his friends to his apartment, where he was found unconscious a day after he suffered a stroke, saved his life. It was a timely visit by his friends at Delmon International Hotel to enquire about him, as he did not turn up for duty that day. 

Philippines national Mercado has been in the ICU at Salmaniya medical Centre (SMC) for the past three weeks. Since he was residing alone in the apartment, there wasn’t anyone to assist him when he suffered the stroke. 

According to President of Proudly Pinoy OFW Group Rod Paje, he lay unconscious in his room for more than 24 hours. Paje said: “I know Mercado personally. Now I visit him at the SMC on a regular basis.” The Filipino social worker said Mercado is in his early thirties and was never known to have any health issues. 

Praising his colleagues for their swift action, Paje said, “They did not know that he had suffered a stroke or that he was in danger. They went there just to meet him. If they had waited for another day, the situation would have been worse.” 

“They did not know his exact house address so they had to search all over Gudaibiya to trace him. When they reached there, they found his apartment locked and there was no response. Sensing something worst, they broke the door open and found him lying on the floor,” he explained.

The HR officer at Delmon International Hotel confirmed that the company is doing every thing it can to support Mercado and his family. 

“We have arranged visas for his brother and sister, they will arrive on August 7.” She added that he will have a surgery today. 

Meanwhile, Proudly Pinoy OFW Group has started a fund-raising initiative to help Mercado and his family. Anyone wishes to contribute may contact Paje on 37241228.