Financial constraints stand in way of Hazreel's recovery

Muhammad Hazreel was diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) since birth.

His sufferings was featured on Astro AWANI digital platform last June. Since then, endless aides have come his way.

Although the aides were not permanent, Noor Halimatun is grateful.

Lately, Noor Halimatun has been struggling to cope with the increasing prices of medicines.

In a month, she has to fork out more than RM4,000 to purchase his medicines and other medical paraphernalia for Muhammad Hazreel.

“I buy all his medicines and gauzes since they are not given by the hospital. Before I wrap his wounds, I would need to apply a medicine known as bactigras, which is retailed at RM50 per box and can only be used for two days.”

“The cost to purchase bactigras can fetch up to RM1,000 a month. And this doesn’t include other medicines,” said Noor Halimatun when contacted by Astro AWANI here today.

She explained that all the expenses are beyond their means especially in the trying economic climate at present.

EB is a rare disease that will blister the skin of the patient.

For Hazreel, he will suffer from this disease for the rest of his life. Caring for an EB patient is complex. One needs extra care to clean the blisters.

He needs to change the gauze twice a day to avoid bacterial infection.

Through an image shared to Astro AWANI, Noor Halimatun explained that Hazreel is now able to walk with the help of a special cane. She is however, uncertain when Hazreel can start pre-school as his disease needs extra care and his skin condition is delicate.

Noor Halimatun explained that she has received aid from the Johor Religious Council and the Social Welfare Department amounting RM600 monthly. The total is however, insufficient, she claimed. She seeks help from concerned Malaysians to donate dressing paraphernalia and medicines to lighten her family’s burden.

Noor Halimatun has two school-going children.