In early May, Zara Atta began experiencing throat discomfort. On May 22, while heading to work, she collapsed at Dubai’s GGICO Metro Station and was quickly taken to Dubai Hospital.
What seemed like a persistent cough turned out to be a severe fungal infection, Aspergillus, which significantly damaged her lungs. Since then, the Pakistani expat has been in the ICU, fighting for her life.
After more than 120 days in the ICU, Zara’s family is facing over Dh140,000 in medical bills, covering medicines, care, and the ECMO machine aiding her breathing. A double lung transplant, costing at least Dh1.2 million, is urgently needed for her survival.
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Zara’s survival depends not only on medical treatment but also on the community’s generosity. Her family is appealing for donations to afford the life-saving transplant.
Her mother, Shaista Tahir, visiting Dubai on a visa, is pleading to save her only daughter. “My daughter devoted her life to serving UAE residents. Now, she faces a medical crisis requiring a lung transplant. I urge authorities, charities, and compassionate individuals to assist us,” she emotionally told Khaleej Times.
Zara recently celebrated her 32nd birthday in her hospital bed on September 19. The ICU team surprised her with a cake and decorations to boost her morale, joined by her mother and supporters.
Zara’s employer remains supportive during her health crisis. Nurseco Home Healthcare expressed, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Zara Atta. May her strength and the medical team’s dedication lead her to recovery. We support her with hope and healing.”
However, it’s uncertain how long her employer can continue supporting her.
Dr Zara Atta in the ICU at Dubai Hospital.
The ICU team at Dubai Hospital celebrates Zara’s birthday. Photos: Dr Ibrahim Khan
What happened to Zara?
Medical reports reviewed by Khaleej Times show Zara’s condition worsened after admission. With dangerously low oxygen levels, she was immediately placed on a ventilator.
Despite intensive treatment, her condition declined. “She was severely ill upon arrival, and her lungs were already scarred,” said Dr. Rashid Nadeem, consultant Intensivist, Dubai Hospital.
“Even with a ventilator, breathing was insufficient, necessitating ECMO support to keep her alive,” Dr. Nadeem explained.
Dr Zara Atta has now spent over 120 days in the ICU at Dubai Hospital, receiving continuous critical care.
Eligibility criteria for transplant
Zara must meet specific criteria for a transplant, including being fully conscious and able to sit and walk.
Currently, Zara is awake and responsive, with normal brain function confirmed by scans. Though her lungs are weak, CT scans show gradual healing, and reduced oxygen needs indicate improvement.
She remains on ECMO support, but other organs are stable. With ongoing physiotherapy, doctors are cautiously optimistic about her progress toward ECMO weaning.
Zara’s lungs are too damaged to function independently. The ECMO is a temporary solution, sustaining her until she’s fit for a transplant, explained Dr. Nadeem.
Hope and prayer
Dr. Ibrahim Khan, Zara’s former colleague and friend, has supported her throughout, even assisting with visa arrangements for her mother. “Seeing a dedicated colleague like Dr. Zara in ICU is heart-wrenching. She has always been compassionate in her work—now she needs our support. I stand with her, hoping for her recovery,” he expressed.
Her cousin, Sufiyan, added, “She’s an inspiration and a warrior. We’ll support her until she walks out of this.”
As Zara continues her ICU recovery, her mother seeks financial aid and relies on prayer, hoping for her daughter’s healing every day.
“I raised her to heal others—now I can only pray for her recovery. Her every heartbeat is my prayer, my fight, my hope.”
