Filipino worker in coma to be sent home with Taiwanese aid

Want China Times, CNA and Staff Reporter 2015-03-11

Reynaldo's mother receives the donation in Chiayi, March 10.
(Photo/Chiayi County Social Affairs Bureau)

Filipino worker Rosauro Jamee Reynaldo Lutaw who fell into a coma as a result of heart disease will be flown home March 15, thanks to donations from local Taiwanese people and the government.

Reynaldo, 25, had been working in a factory in Minhsiung in Chiayi county since his arrival in Taiwan in September 2012. He collapsed suddenly on Nov. 30, having shown no previous symptoms of illness.

A thorough examination found that he has congenital heart defects of which he himself was unaware. Although doctors managed to save his life with emergency surgery, Reynaldo fell into a deep coma and was transferred to a nursing home for medical care after 25 days at the hospital.

His mother, who came to Taiwan last December, has been taking care of him at the nursing home.

Since his condition was caused by heart defects rather than an occupational hazard, Reynaldo's medical costs are not covered by his insurance policy. Owing to the local language barrier, his mother wanted to take him back to his home in the Philippines for further treatment.

However, Reynaldo has had difficulty in meeting his medical costs in Taiwan, not to mention the cost of his flight home.

After learning of his plight, the Chiayi County Social Affairs Bureau asked the Ministry of Labor Affairs for urgent aid of NT$100,000 (US$2,900), and managed to raise another NT$180,000 (US$5,700) from local charities, including the Chiayi Do Good group.

Witnessed by officials from the Social Affairs Bureau, the funds were given by representatives of the donors to Reynaldo's mother Tuesday to help them return home.