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A 24-year-old migrant worker in Singapore had his leg amputated after suffering a workplace accident on Dec. 3, 2021.
The migrant worker, Vinoth, who arrived in Singapore from Tamil Nadu in January 2021, now faces a hospital and rehabilitation bill of about S$150,000.
His company has been trying to raise funds to help cover his bills, as well as to fund a prosthetic leg for him to continue working.
Steel plate fell onto leg
According to Give Asia, Vinoth and his team were instructed to unload five steel plates from a lorry by using an excavator fitted with a lifting hook and lifting gears.
As they were unloading the fifth plate, the operator had to shift the plate out as it could not be hooked for hoisting.
The operator could not control the plate properly, and unfortunately for Vinoth, the steel plate fell onto his leg.
He was rushed to the hospital where "multiple surgeries" were conducted.
However, his injured leg became infected and the infection started to spread upwards.
Doctors decided to amputate his leg to save his life.
Photo via Give Asia.
Medical bills amount to S$150,000
Vinoth's hospital bill had reached S$114,000, and another S$50,000 would be needed to fund his treatment at a rehabilitation centre.
Give Asia stated that he may receive a compensation of S$45,000, but it is subject to approval from an insurance company.
A fellow co-worker of Vinoth's had helped to reach out to Give Asia to set up the fundraising page.
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised over S$60,000.
Screenshot via Give Asia.
However, the money raised would go directly to the hospital.
Migrant welfare group ItsRainingRaincoats said that this would discharge the company's liabilities towards his hospital bills.
Vinoth would likely not benefit directly from the campaign.
Those who wish to help Vinoth directly may contact ItsRainingRaincoats' Facebook page.
Still in "shock and grief" after accident
According to Give Asia, Vinoth's company "had done all they could" to help Vinoth, and is considering helping him to get a prosthetic leg fitted.
The company would also offer him light duties so that Vinoth can continue to stay in Singapore to work and to provide "a better life" for his family back home.
ItsRainingRaincoats said they were "glad to hear this" and was thankful that Vinoth was also provided a wheelchair to move around for now.
The welfare group also shared that Vinoth's family back home has trouble earning a living, as his father is battling diabetes and his mother has to perform ad-hoc duties in a paddy field to sustain the family.
Vinoth is also in "shock and grief" after being discharged, but managed to put on a smile for the camera when ItsRainingRaincoats volunteers visited him.
The group wrote: "Please pray for Vinoth: that this young man will somehow find the strength and means to lead his life on one leg."
Top photos via Give Asia and ItsRainingRaincoats/FB