With the delivery of healthcare still very minimal in much of Liberia, falling sick could often spell a close shave with death. Perhaps no one knows this better than Sarath Kumar. The 63-year old diabetic, an Indian fisherman settled in Pleebo, was in a coma and hanging on to the cliff of life when he was brought to Pakmed Hospital in Harper on 28 December, 2013.

Kumar was transferred from JJ Dossen Hospital as an emergency case with seizures and coma. He was in shock with severe dehydration, and his blood sugar was very high.

The patient was put on Very Seriously Ill List (VSIL) and lifesaving resuscitation started immediately. His body fluids were replenished and the necessary medication administered to reverse renal failure.

After 12 hours in Intensive Care and on the watch of a medical team led by Maj. Jahanzeb Liaqat (Physician and Intensivist), the patient regained consciousness and was able to talk to staff and relatives.

The team at PakMed Level Two Hospital had literally snatched him from the hands of death. His Encephalopathy seizures were under control, his blood sugar level down to normal, and renal functions restored – a complete transformation from the critical state in which he arrived at the hospital only hours earlier.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most serious acute complication of the disease. Very high mortality in DKA is primarily due to the high blood sugar level, severe dehydration, renal failure and Encephalopathy. And in old age the chances for recovery are slim.

After four days of standard treatment and recovery Kumar was able to leave the hospital, full of praise and prayers for the medics who saved his life.

The authorities at the JJ Dossen Hospital also addressed a letter of appreciation to the Pakistani doctors for helping them to save the life of the patient.