Amjath Khan found out he was infected by a flesh-eating bacteria after returning to Singapore from India
Amjath, who has been working in Singapore for the past 13 years, had just returned back to Singapore when he discovered that he had contracted the flesh-eating germ through a cut in his skin, said Gary Haris, a grassroots leader at the Federation Of Indian Muslims (FIM) in an interview with AsiaOne on Tuesday (Sept 26).
On Aug 31, Amjath woke up to find his entire body swollen. Realising he was also struggling to breathe, his roommate called their employer, who advised them to call an ambulance to send Amjath to the hospital.
He was subsequently admitted to Changi General Hospital, where he found out he had been infected by a flesh-eating bacteria known as necrotising fasciitis, said Amjath during a phone interview with Berita Harian.
"The doctor initially wanted to amputate his leg to save the rest of his body, but he asked the doctor to reconsider. Since the bacteria didn't spread any further, they managed to save his limb," said Haris, who is also an activist for migrant workers.
Amjath's employer has flown his wife and a few other family members to Singapore to help take care of him while he's in hospital, said Haris.
Haris told AsiaOne that Amjath will require treatment for the next six months to a year, including skin grafts and plastic surgery.
"His medical bills have reached almost $100,000, which exceeds the $15,000 coverage from his company insurance."
Although plans have been made to send Amjath back to India for further treatment, the trip would cost another $30,000.
To help cover some of the cost of the medical bills, Haris has been reaching out to migrant worker organisations in Singapore for financial assistance. He's also been raising funds for Amjath on his Facebook page.
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/m...esh-eating-bacterial-infection-after-vacation
