Russia-Based OFW Who Suffered from Stroke Reunited with Family
REUNITED: Ms. Ginalyn Geroche (seated) pose with her children and Ms. Cherry Narvaez of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow (leftmost) and Dr. Natividad Vizcarra of the DFA (2nd from left) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 7 February 2018.
12 February 2018 MOSCOW – A 47-year-old female OFW who suffered from stoke was reunited with her family in the evening of 07 February. Ms. Ginalyn Geroche, who was hospitalized in Moscow on 01 January after a stroke, was escorted by Dr. Natividad Vizcarra, resident physician of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Ms. Cherry Narvaez, Attache of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow during her return flight to Manila. Her family, whom she had not seen in 5 years, warmly welcomed her at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Ms. Geroche underwent treatment at Moscow’s City Clinical Hospital No. 52 and was discharged on 26 January 2018 after recovering. She stayed at the Philippine Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals Shelter until her repatriation.
Due to a partial loss of mobility in her left arm and leg, her Russian doctors required a medical professional to accompany her during the flight to the Philippines. Dr. Vizcarra, who has valuable experience in handling medical repatriation cases of OFWs was tapped to escort Ms. Geroche.
The Embassy worked closely with the DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Worker’s Affairs (OUMWA) headed by Undersecretary Sarah Lou I. Arriola in securing the necessary funds for Ms. Geroche’s medical expenses and repatriation as well as coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and airport authorities.
An OWWA-provided ambulance transported Ms. Geroche to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City for a check-up before going home with her family.
Ms. Geroche said, “Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Secretary Alan Cayetano sa kanyang tulong para makauwi ako sa Pilipinas, sa OUMWA, at sa lahat ng nag-process ng papers ko. Kay Ambassador King Sorreta, sa lahat ng nasa Embassy dito sa Moscow at kay Dra. Vizcarra, thank you po.”
“We are very pleased that Ginalyn is now with her family in the Philippines where she will receive the needed love and support for her full recovery,” Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta said. “We also extend our appreciation to the members of the Filipino Community in Russia for their concern and support for our Kababayan during her hospitalization and stay at the Embassy,” he added. END
For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph.
Ms. Ginalyn Geroche enjoys a hug from her daughter at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 7 February 2018. Photo: C. Narvaez.