Pakistani expat Mohammed Ishaq whose daughter was born prematurely with his wife. (AN photo)

A Pakistani expat who raked up a SR128,000 medical bill treating his prematurely born daughter was overjoyed after a report published in Arab News highlighting his struggle prompted the hospital to waive all charges.

“I am speechless and delighted to be able to take my baby girl home with us after three months in hospital,” said Mohammed Ishaq, an uneducated farm worker. “The article published by Arab News changed my life.”

His daughter, born on Feb. 10, had been placed in an incubator, incurring huge medical expenses.

“I undertake random jobs in farming and driving to make ends meet,” he told Arab News. “I had no idea the media could be so powerful a tool. I only came to know of the impact of the article published in Arab News when the hospital management informed me that my baby girl had been discharged,” he said.

“I could not believe we could go home without paying a single riyal,” said an emotional Ishaq. “Generous Pakistani expats had sent in donations, but thankfully, I no longer need financial help because hospital owner has refused to take any money from me.”

He said: “I am indebted to Arab News. Childbirth is usually a cause for celebration, but our situation was different. We have not been able to rejoice until now.”

Ishaq also thanked Al-Nahda Hospital in Taif for their humanitarian gesture.

The hospital had also issued a birth notification, which is usually withheld by private hospitals until medical expenses are paid in full, to enable Ishaq to apply for a birth certificate with the Civil Affairs office.

Ishaq expressed gratitude to Arab News readers who had tried to reach him to offer their support.