The family of five-year-old Saud Muhammad Abdullah Al-Zahrani, who is bedridden, has appealed for help to pay for his treatment.

The family of a sick child here has launched an appeal for funds to help pay for his treatment overseas.

Saud Muhammad Abdullah Al-Zahrani, the five-year-old boy, has been virtually bedridden since birth. The father of the youngster claims that mistakes were made by doctors at a hospital in Al-Baha that resulted in his condition.

“We have contacted many hospitals worldwide and have received a response from an Indian hospital saying that doctors there could possibly cure him but it would cost about SR200,000,” the father of the boy said.

“I ask the rulers and Health Ministry to save my son’s life. I hope we can find a donor to pay for his treatment in India before it is too late,” the father said recently.

Medical reports show that Saud is suffering from breathing difficulties, nerve damage, visual impairment and problems moving and eating.

Saud was born at a hospital in Al-Baha and kept in an incubator for nearly a week. When he returned home to the Eastern Province, the family discovered that he had problems moving, would cry constantly and not breastfeed properly, his father said.

The hospital in Al-Baha had sent a report to the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Dammam, where he had been admitted, stating he had been born prematurely.

“We want to know why the hospital discharged him when he had such health problems,” the father said. “The whole family is in pain because Saud is bedridden. We care for him day and night.”

The father said that he had spent all his money on treatment for Saud and hopes now for someone to come forward and assist the family.

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