Manama: After months of suffering, hospitalized Indian woman Ms. Subba Lakshumma was repatriated to India on Friday, the 22nd, marking the culmination of a humanitarian mission of compassion, dignity, and hope.
In a deeply moving humanitarian effort involving community volunteers, medical institutions, charitable organizations, and continued diplomatic support, the 54-year-old Indian national from Andhra Pradesh—who had remained hospitalized in Bahrain following a serious road traffic accident—was finally repatriated as a wheelchair passenger with an accompanying caregiver. Ms. Subba Lakshumma traveled to Chennai Airport, the nearest suitable destination airport, from where arrangements had been made for her onward medical transfer and care in Andhra Pradesh.
Ms. Subba Lakshumma was originally admitted to the hospital on 14 October 2025 after sustaining severe injuries in a Road Traffic Accident (RTA). Following the incident, she remained under prolonged hospitalization.
During a personal visit conducted by Mr. Sudheer Thirunilath, Global PRO and Bahrain Chapter President of Pravasi Legal Cell, the patient’s condition was found to be extremely fragile and heartbreaking. Ms. Subba Lakshumma was observed to be non-responsive, neurologically compromised, unable to communicate meaningfully, and physically unable to sit independently even in a wheelchair. Despite a Telugu-speaking person being brought in to facilitate communication, meaningful interaction was not possible. Medical staff reported that the patient had suffered a stroke following the accident, which significantly worsened her neurological and physical condition.
Her medical condition left her unable to independently manage legal, administrative, or personal matters. It also became extremely difficult to establish accurate details regarding the accident or any related legal proceedings directly from the patient.
As the matter concerned a Road Traffic Accident and possible compensation or insurance claims, legal documentation and case follow-up remained important. However, due to her medical and mental condition at the time, obtaining a Power of Attorney or legal authorization from the patient was not feasible.
Following the completion of her active treatment, the hospital had requested arrangements for her discharge and repatriation. However, her sponsor declined responsibility, citing financial constraints and concerns regarding the unresolved legal dimensions of the accident case.
Several attempts were made to coordinate support from relatives in India. During discussions involving the APNRTS Andhra Team and family contacts, including Mr. Gochipatha Gopal, the son of the patient’s brother, it was communicated that the family was financially weak and unable to assume responsibility or provide the required support arrangements.
Faced with an increasingly urgent humanitarian situation and with no immediate family support available, extensive efforts were undertaken to identify an alternative long-term care solution in India.
In a significant breakthrough, a compassionate intervention came from Mr. Yeddula Nagendra, Chairman of the Yeddula Pedda Sheshamma Foundation (Old Age Home) in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, who voluntarily issued a formal consent and undertaking letter, confirming the institution’s willingness to receive Ms. Subba Lakshumma and provide full care and support upon her arrival in India.
Mr. Orsu Nagaraju accompanied the patient during her journey from Bahrain to Chennai. From Chennai, she was transferred by ambulance to the nearest suitable medical facility in Andhra Pradesh for continued treatment, rehabilitation, and supportive care. Plans were made that once her condition stabilized, appropriate legal and administrative processes would be explored to continue follow-up related to the accident case and any future compensation or insurance matters.
Upon learning of this difficult case, Pravasi Legal Cell Global PRO & Bahrain Chapter President Mr. Sudheer Thirunilath stepped forward and extended continuous support to facilitate treatment coordination, documentation, humanitarian intervention, and the complex repatriation process.
Pravasi Legal Cell expressed its sincere appreciation to Governing Council Member Spandana Kishore, and Working Committee Members Mr. Faizal Pattandy, Mr. Sabu Cirammal, and Mr. Gangadar Rao for their unwavering follow-up, commitment, and dedicated support throughout the case.
Special gratitude was also extended to the Embassy of India in Bahrain, Salmaniya Medical Complex, and Muharraq Geriatric Hospital for their compassionate cooperation, medical support, and humanitarian assistance provided to the patient during this challenging period. Additional support was extended by the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), which arranged the ambulance service from Chennai Airport to Andhra Pradesh.
This case served as a powerful reminder of the silent struggles many migrant workers and expatriates face when serious illness, accidents, or disability occur far away from home—often without immediate family support, financial resources, or legal protection.
Yet, amid hardship and uncertainty, compassion prevailed. After months of pain, uncertainty, and dedicated collective effort, Ms. Subba Lakshumma finally began her journey back to her homeland—not abandoned, but accompanied by humanity, care, and hope.
