Young Indian Chef Fights Life-Threatening Infection in NZ

A young Indian chef is facing a life-threatening battle against a rare infection in New Zealand, with mounting medical bills adding to the strain on his family. Ayush Rawat, 30, originally from Dehradun, India, was diagnosed with Polymicrobial Necrotising Fasciitis, commonly known as a “flesh-eating” infection, which led to his hospitalization in early February. His family now faces a daunting financial burden, with treatment costs exceeding $231,000 and an additional $50,000 from previous medical care.

Upon his arrival in New Zealand in 2023 on a student visa to study Hotel Management at NZMA in Auckland, Rawat was hopeful about his future. However, a critical lapse in health insurance occurred between the expiration of his student visa and the processing of his work visa, leaving him without coverage when he fell seriously ill. “This was the period when he did not have health insurance,” said his father, Bhagat Singh, a bank employee in India. “The hospital bill is beyond our capacity or capability.”

Rawat’s health crisis began on January 30, 2024, when he lost consciousness at his home in Geraldine, located on New Zealand’s South Island. Colleagues transported him to Timaru Hospital, where he was initially treated for diabetes. It was only later that the medical team discovered an infected cyst on his lower back. “The doctors said they would perform a small operation on it. As they were carrying out the procedure, they realised how quickly the infection was spreading to my body,” Rawat explained.

Following the initial diagnosis, Rawat was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital for more specialized treatment between February 1 and February 7. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his placement in intensive care and requiring a ventilator. “Doctors were less than 5% confident that I would survive,” he recalled. Despite these dire circumstances, Rawat’s condition has improved, and he is no longer in immediate danger, although he remains on strong antibiotic medication.

As part of his ongoing treatment, Rawat has been fitted with a stoma, a surgically created opening in the abdomen for waste collection. He is expected to use this for several months as he continues his recovery. Throughout this ordeal, his weight has plummeted from around 75–80 kilograms to just 30 kilograms, illustrating the severity of his illness.

In light of his experience, Rawat has two critical messages for fellow migrants. “Please spend some money and take health insurance even when you are waiting for a work visa,” he advised. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of addressing health concerns promptly, stating, “always get checked. Don’t wait.”

To assist with the overwhelming medical expenses, Ayush Rawat’s family has launched a fundraising campaign on Givealittle. The hope is to alleviate some of the financial pressures as he navigates his long path to recovery.