Brother Of Comatose UWS Student Speaks Out

DULUTH-A UWS foreign exchange student, injured in a car accident in November is facing a tough battle.

The problem at hand is that Shahzaib's student visa expires February 28th and his lawyer is working with the State Department to extend his visa so that he can continue to receive care here.

His brother Shahraiz says, "he cannot be sent back to home in this condition, as he's in coma and he cannot take care of his own. He needs time and there's a big fracture over his head which hasn't been taken care of yet."
Shahzaib remains unconscious at St. Mary's after an automobile accident.
Shahzaib is completely unaware that he may be fighting for his own life...not because of his injuries, but because of the circumstances involving his care.
"The twenty hour, twenty four hour flight is too long and we are not willing to take that risk. And nobody wants to take the responsibility if something happens to him in the middle of nowhere."
Not only is the flight a concern but his family can't afford to pay for his care, and they say the hospitals aren't as good Pakistan.
Bajwa says the hospital has been very help full, but told us they are no longer assisting in the visa process.
"Now they are saying that they'll not help us to convert his visa into a medical visa, I don't know, they said you'll have to do that by yourself."
Media relations specialalist, Maureen Talerico says,"St. Mary's Medical Center's number one priority is to care for Mr. Bajwa while he is here.
Mr. Bajwa's student visa expires February 28th. St. Mary's Medical Center has been working with the State Department, which is assisting with arrangements for Mr. Bajwa's medical transport home. This is an unfortunate situation and his care givers continue to work closely with Mr. Bajwa's family to ensure the smoothest transition possible."
Even the visa is extended, Bajwa says he's not sure if his brother can stay, because of insurance issues. According to Shahraiz, Essentia is treating his brother for free at this time.

His brother says he is also a student and the sole provider for the family so they are not able to properly care for him in Pakistan.

The family has also tried to have his visa extended through the school, but they said that UWS will not enroll Shahzaib because he has not been in class for over thirty days.

The good news is they say he has gotten better since transferring from the Cloquet hospital and that he is breathing on his own.

To dontate to Shahzaib's medical fund: http://www.gofundme.com/6t9bq8