One would feel that the struggles faced in a foreign land are grim. Securing a job, socialising or even completing basic tasks like buying food or filling forms especially in a country where languages can be a barrier is spoken widely enough…! Although rights, services and benefits are available to migrants, some may have an

One would feel that the struggles faced in a foreign land are grim. Securing a job, socialising or even completing basic tasks like buying food or filling forms especially in a country where languages can be a barrier is spoken widely enough…! Although rights, services and benefits are available to migrants, some may have an exceptionally difficult time accessing such services. Such reluctance is due to fear of rejection. Consequently people avoid seeing a doctor or reaching out for legal services.
Breaking all negative myths associated to immigration process and cultural barriers that may perhaps transcend, the famous Ferragosto week in Italy, was the most challenging week of my entire life and then turned out to be a bed of roses which is contrary to the popular saying that ‘life is not a bed of roses…’ With an appointment on the 19th August 2021 at the Questura (Immigration Office) at noon, I parted from home after a having breakfast like a ‘king’ (queen, to be precise).
A rather unpleasant and distressing episode of syncope whilst I was on the tram, a total stranger noticed me loosing my conscience and passing out; she held me and made me sit. A young man passed my phone saying ‘signora here is your phone,’ the mother of this young-man started to engage in a very polite conversation with me and passed a tissue soaked in water and placed it on my forehead, asking me to breath – it was then I recovered from my sudden brief loss of conscience. Indecisive as whether to reach my final destination or return, I decided to digest this sudden ‘shock’ and endure, with perseverance I eventually reached the Questura.
As I stepped in, I explained my ‘blacking out’ to an Immigration Officer who told me to relax, and offered me a bottle of water and said ‘Ma’am, have a rest and when you are ready I will accompany you to the concerned department.’ Rather relieved with his reassuring words I sat to have a sip of water and I was hit hard with a second episode of a more serious syncope which was a lot longer coupled with shortness of breath! Noticing me lifeless, a dozen of Immigration Officers attended to me aiding by shaking me vigorously, tapping me briskly, elevating my leg and head. As I gradually regained my consciousness there was one particular Immigration Officer in whom I saw immense care and compassion, sympathy and empathy, he engaged in a continuous conversation with a genuine hope for me to attain normalcy and called the ambulance immediately, keeping me updated minute by minute on the arrival of the ambulance. I wish I had known him better to thank him as I partly owe my life to him… The Department of the Immigration in Turin is under great hands and is well trained and very well lead.
As the ambulance arrived my heart palpitations fastened (in fear definitely), as the paramedic examined me, he insisted for me to be taken to the emergency immediately. As the paramedic requested the Immigration Officer to let me go, the Immigration Officers were filled with courage of care coalition for my wellbeing and rescheduled my appointment at the Questura in a split-second. As the ambulance personnel accompanied me to the ambulance, with tears and fear I stepped into the ambulance for the first time in my life as a patient and the unnerving siren sounded louder than it usually does.
I was rushed to ‘Ospedale San Giovanni Bosco’ emergency department where a nurse first examined. I realised how true it is that hospitals ‘cure sometimes, treat often and comforts always,’ I saw the art of medicine in love and I felt loved. I am sure that Dr.Altavilla Andrea and his nurse (the Italian Nightingale) might have forgotten my name but will surely never forget how I made them feel for bitterly crying and screaming in fear over a blood test. Hospital is certainly not a place where I can put my best behaviour; rather cover my own-self in shame.
Dr.Andrea’s first reaction to my tears was ‘O Madonna Santa’ which still lingers in me, and I am guilty for giving him a tough time as he and his team battled with more serious patients in the emergency including a ‘teenager’s falling from a terrace, child’s broken arm and swollen eye, elderly patients, etc.,’ As Dr.Andrea instructed the Italian Nightingale to inoculate me with infusions, with tears and my unmoved arm and the IV line, Dr.Andrea said ‘Maffi stay calm…’ truly, one kind word can warm three winter months, this was very true in the case. As time passed by, my belly was rather an ungrateful wretch, it is fatal to look hungry and in my case it was fatal to feel hungry. I reached out to the Italian Nightingale and openly confessed that I was hungry. She immediately offered me hospital dinner, to a hungry person every bitter food is sweet, but genuinely the food was healthy and good. Having had 2 bottles of infusion, I found myself better and reached out to the Italian Nightingale again requesting for a discharge.
Dr.Andrea very politely advised me on the do’s and don’ts and it was time to remove my ‘IV line. This time Dr.Andrea had fully understood my weakness and very softly and slowly removed the ‘IV line’ not all angels have wings, some have a stethoscope. I always had utmost respect and love for doctors, and now it has increased even more and I owe my gratitude to Dr.Andrea and the ‘Italian Nightingale’ – and from what I witnessed that day the entire emergency department at the Ospedale San Giovanni Bosco for treating me and many others like myself (or even in worse circumstances) a big thank you. As an attitude of gratitude accept my humble thank you. Your kindness still remains as a debt, I wish I can repay or rather reciprocate, when that day comes I will be there just like how you were for me (and many like me)…
Dottoressa. Maffi, Advocate, holds a degree in law from London, a Legum Magister in Legal Practice from the City University, UK, A Master of Arts in Human Rights, a Legum Magister from United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Italy, a Certificate in Migration and its link to Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development Agenda from University for Peace, Costa Rica, and a Certificate in Global Governance, University for Peace, Costa Rica.