What happened to Mr Sunga?

35-year-old Mr Sunga arrived in Singapore in 2019. He was driven by the hope of finding new opportunities to support his family in the Philippines. However, these plans were derailed when he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) in December 2023, following an annual health screening that revealed a scar in his right lung. This diagnosis led to the loss of his employment, as his ex-employer refused to renew his contract due to concerns about potential infectiousness.

Despite diligently following his doctor’s orders during supervised TB treatment, Mr Sunga encountered hurdles in securing new employment. With his diagnosis and ongoing treatment, finding potential opportunities has been extremely difficult. Employers remain cautious despite a doctor’s memo indicating his condition is no longer infectious. Currently, Mr Sunga struggles to make ends meet, drawing from his diminishing savings while continuing to support his loved ones back home, adding to the weight of his financial burden.

How can you support him?

We are fundraising for Mr Sunga’s outstanding medical bills of $1,418.80 and his living expenses of $500 for the next three months while he completes his treatment.

Your contribution will help alleviate Mr Sunga’s financial strain, allowing him to focus on his recovery without worrying about financial hardships. Additionally, your support will enable him to return to Singapore once he has recovered, without the barrier of outstanding medical bills hindering his return.

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Mr Sunga is currently undergoing supervised treatment for TB to ensure a complete recovery. He is at the halfway mark of his six-month treatment. Despite being deemed no longer infectious by his doctor, he faced challenges securing new employment. On one occasion, his attempts to explain his non-contagious status to a potential employer in the healthcare sector were met with scepticism. This resulted in the cancellation of his work permit and placement under a short-term visit pass.

Since his employment was terminated, Mr Sunga has relied on his dwindling savings to make ends meet. He tries to stay upbeat, but this has been challenging. Knowing that his aged parents and school-going brother back home rely on him adds to the pressure he feels.

Now, Mr Sunga is seeking employment to regain stability and continue supporting his family. With each job application and interview, he clings to hope, believing he can overcome these challenges and become stronger. Be part of his recovery journey!