An immigrant family stung with a $31,000 bill from Dunedin Hospital for the birth of their child have been left “absolutely humbled” after donations poured in to help pay it.
Shalveen Sen and his wife Swastika Chand have lived in New Zealand for the past three years but their work visas expired in late June.
The Fiji-Indian couple were left with the $31,815 hospital bill after their baby boy Nyshik was born in Dunedin on June 27, three days after his parents’ New Zealand work visas expired.
Mr Sen said he was “horrified” by the amount the hospital had charged — he had expected something closer to $9000.
“It was totally unexpected — I don’t know how they got that amount.”
The past few weeks have consisted of preparing for their departure and last-ditch efforts to secure work, along with looking after their newborn.
“After the visas finished, we were not offered any work, any kind of support. We were rolling on our savings.
“So, we’re very grateful for this support.”
On Thursday, it appeared the Dunedin health community had rallied round and pledged almost $31,000 for the child’s healthcare on a Giveallitle page.
Mr Sen said the family was “absolutely humbled” by the community response.
He said if the birth had occurred a week earlier, they would not have been stuck with the hospital bill.
Healthcare is largely subsidised in the public health system for citizens and residents, provided their papers are in order.
Mr Sen and Ms Chand said they would be returning to Fiji on Sunday.
Ms Chand had worked here as a healthcare assistant.
They were not sure how long they will be in Fiji, and they did want to return to Dunedin eventually, but they expected it would be at least a year before returning to New Zealand for work.
Mr Sen admitted the departure was bittersweet.
“We loved Dunedin, everyone was so pleasant to us.”