Malik Waqar
Security and health officials heaved a sigh of relief as the 35-year-old American woman, Onija Andrew Robbins, who has been receiving psychiatric treatment at JPMC, was declared fit to travel and discharged on Friday evening.
She was escorted to the Women Police Station by an all-female squad from where she was taken to the Jinnah Interantional Terminal and put on a flight back home.
Earlier, hospital officials confirmed that arrangements for her travel, including necessary documents and an air ticket, were pending from the US Consulate General in Karachi. Once the formalities were complete, she was sent off.
The hospital had been in regular communication with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the US diplomatic mission regarding her return.
Medical reports had indicated major improvement in her condition. Her hemoglobin level had risen from four to 9.9. However, she continued to battle bipolar disorder, which would require ongoing treatment.
According to Prof Chooni Lal, head of the Medical Board overseeing her care, patients with such conditions tend to recover faster when surrounded by family and in a familiar environment.
Dr Salman, Joint Executive Director of JPMC, confirmed that the Medical Board had submitted its report on Friday, declaring her fit to travel. Once the US Consulate finalises her travel documents, she will be discharged and flown back to the United States. The FIA and the US Consulate are coordinating with the hospital to ensure smooth arrangements for her departure.
Robbins, who travelled to Karachi to be with a young man she fell in love with online, was admitted to JPMC Psychiatry Ward a week ago after she was ditched by her love. Initial medical tests and psychiatric evaluations led to her transfer to the Special Care Unit. On February 3, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
