Grab says it is ‘continuously reaching out’ to support critically hurt rider

Despite rejection, Grab Philippines said it continues to “reach out” to the family of Marko de Guzman, who was critically injured after a Grab car he was riding on hit another car before ramming onto post of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Manila last month.

“Since October 27, 2018, when we learned of the accident, we have been in constant communication with his immediate family and have offered financial assistance for his medication,”  Leo Gonzales, Public Affairs Head of Grab, said in a statement on Friday.

“While the family has not accepted any of our offers, we are continuously reaching out to extend adequate support that would cover Marko’s hospital expenses,” he added.

Additionally, Gonzales said Grab Philippines has insurance that is being offered to its passengers and driver-partners.

Grab Philippines has coordinated with authorities as they launch their own investigation on the incident. It cited police reports showing both drivers involved in the incident were now facing “court arraignment.”

The public’s attention was caught by a now viral Facebook post of Steffi De Guzman last Thursday, wherein she narrated how her cousin Marko got into an accident, which caused his “severe traumatic brain injury.”

Steffi said Marko and a friend named Alia booked a Grab car last October 26 along Taft Avenue, Manila. She claimed that the Grab ride was running too fast as they learned that its driver was already sleepy at the time. Consequently, she said, the Grab car hit another car before crashing against an LRT post. She said her cousin sustained a fractured skull while his brain “profusely bled” because of the incident.

https://www.facebook.com/steffipay/posts/10161336466650651?__tn__=K-R

Steffi said Marko is in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital, noting that he may have a “slim chance of survival.” 

Another netizen named Isabe Ocliasa shared Friday that Marko’s hospital bill for the 28 days he’s been confined has reached over P3 million, and may even increase to P6 million.

“Today, 28 days from confinement, Marko’s hospital bill is a little over P3M. This can balloon to P6M if we include professional fees from a team of 15 doctors,” Ocliasa said.

Ocliasa also revealed that Marko’s last treatment was a “risky procedure” called “brain shunting.”

https://www.facebook.com/isabe.ocliasa/posts/10161360049295457

“Our chief attending physician spoke to the family and offered his team’s last card of treatment: brain shunting. It is a permanent and very delicate procedure where a tube is implanted to divert the excessive brain fluids trapped in the brain to a bigger cavity in the body to ensure continuous circulation and absorption,” she said.

Ocliasa then called on lawmakers to implement “stronger laws and guidelines” in regulating the country’s transport network companies like Grab.  /kga