Time runs short to get transplant funding
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Time is running out for Sanil Kumar and his family is sickened by the uncertainty of what the future holds.
Mr Kumar, 30, had his work visa declined last July after developing renal disease.
He is originally from Fiji and moved to New Zealand in 2010.
He is battling Immigration New Zealand whose staff say there are New Zealanders suitable or able to be trained to take over his job as a metal trades worker.
But Mr Kumar’s former boss Mark Eade, owner of Avondale’s Copper Rainwater Products, says the position hasn’t been filled yet because it’s hard to get people into the industry.
Immigration New Zealand has threatened deportation and a five-year ban from the country, giving Mr Kumar until February 28 to leave.
But the Kumar family hopes to reach a compromise.
Loved ones are trying to raise $130,000 for a kidney transplant and Mr Kumar will go back to Fiji when the funds are available.
Meanwhile he needs to remain in New Zealand for eight-hour peritoneal dialysis every night, treatment that’s not available in his homeland as it is too expensive.
He could only get
hae- modialysis in Fiji and the family says most patients using it die because of uncontrollably high infection rates there.
Mr Kumar needs a $30,000 operation before he can undergo haemodialysis and would have to travel six hours from his home in Ba to Suva for four-hour treatment three times a week.
The procedure costs $350 a session, more than $1000 a week. Mr Kumar’s family says maintaining ongoing costs is unrealistic.
‘‘We know there will be a time when people say they can’t help us any more,’’ cousin Ashika Aujla says. Donate to ANZ bank account 01 0721 0106892 55 or go to givealittle.co.nz to donate online.
Ms Aujla, 27, and her sister Asheelta Kumar, 26, have agreed to be kidney donors if the money is raised.
Mr Kumar’s uncle Ashok Kumar is paying the peritoneal dialysis costs of $46 a day or $350 a week and says Immigration New Zealand’s decision is a death sentence. ‘‘All we are asking is a legal permit till we collect enough funds to have his kidney transplant done.’’
Mr Kumar already owes $30,000 to the Waitemata District Health Board after the initial operation and medical costs. His family is paying off the debt.
Immigration New Zealand’s acting compliance operations manager Natalie Gardiner says all migrants must have an acceptable standard of health to minimise costs and demands on New Zealand’s health services.