HEMANT Kumar, who's struggling for his life after being diagnosed with coronary heart disease six years ago, is pleading for help from the public for medical treatment overseas.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, the father of three who resides in the Muslim League squatter settlement in Nabua just outside Suva, said he had been advised by doctors at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital that treatment for his condition was not available locally.
"My sickness since 2006 has developed and now it is in its final stages. The doctors at CWMH have advised me I need urgent medical treatment overseas and more likely in India."
Mr Kumar, 47, who works as a gardener at the acting Malaysian high commissioner's residence in Tamavua, needs $23,000 for treatment in India. "Following my routine check-ups I was told that 90 per cent of my arteries are blocked and I have a short life to live," he said.
Mr Kumar said his income was not enough to provide for the treatment because he had three children attending school and a dependent wife.
"I want to live in this world and see my children grow up. I want to support them so that they get well educated and have a good life," he said.
Mr Kumar said he wanted to tap every opportunity in order to raise funds for his treatment. "Looking at my health condition, my boss has advised me to do light work. This way I am also employed and able to support my family financially."
He said he had raised $4000 through donations and is pleading to the public for support. "I want to live my life with my family and children. Please help me in any way possible," Mr Kumar said.
His medical report confirms that following an angiography study last month at the CWMH, a doctor from the Sahydri Hospital in India made an early referral overseas for conventional revascularisation procedure.