Healthmark CEO on Maltese support for injured nurse: ‘We are living this tragedy with them’

A tragedy that struck an Indian couple living in Malta has revealed the extraordinary compassion of the Maltese community. The public came together to raise over €73,000 to fund an air ambulance for 29-year-old Tonamol Baby’s journey home, demonstrating solidarity that transcends nationality.

Among the contributors were the couple’s employers, DB Group and Healthmark, that together donated a total of €5,000 in support.

Contacted by MaltaCEOs.mt, Charlotte Sant Portanier, CEO of Healthmark – a leading healthcare company formerly part of db Group – shares how Tonamol is dearly loved by her colleagues, who remain deeply shaken by the accident and continue to check in on her regularly.

“Healthmark is providing all the support she needs,” she continues.

“She is still employed, and the company will continue to support her dear husband Tom throughout this journey. It is impressive to see how much support she is receiving from the very generous general public but also from our staff coming together and making collections.”

Echoing her sentiments db Group CEO Robert Debono, son of Silvio Debono, said that the tragedy deeply affected everyone at the company.

“In general, and contrary to some impressions, Maltese people donate very generously and regularly to people in need, regardless of nationalities, cultures, religions and skin colour. In fact, proportionately, we are amongst the biggest donors in Europe,” Mr Debono shares.

He explains how apart financially, the group is adjusting Jacob Tom’s roster hours to allow him to be at his wife’s bedside as much as he needs.

“We’ll be giving him all the time off he needs to visit Tonamol when she’s transferred to Kerala, India,” he continues, adding that the company also has a staff vacation leave donation scheme, currently being worked on to give Jacob Tom even more assistance.

The generosity of the community and workplace support comes against the backdrop of a heartbreaking accident. Tonamol, who was five months pregnant, was hit by a car just days into her nursing career, leaving her in a coma and claiming the life of the couple’s unborn son.

Ms Sant Portanier recalls, “It was actually only her seventh shift reporting to work as a nurse when she was hit by a car while crossing the road.”

Tonamol had joined Healthmark in February 2024 under a family unification scheme, as her husband Jacob works at Aki, one of db Group’s restaurants.

“She did well, and the company immediately supported her for the nurse-bridging programme,” Ms Sant Portanier added.

“One can only imagine, but not fully feel, the horrific extent of Jacob and Tonamol’s loss. I think the public immediately and instinctively rallied to their side and helped as best they could,” Mr Debono concluded.