An Isipingo teenager is fighting for her life in a Chinese hospital after falling from the fifth floor of a medical university where she is a first year student.
The incident happened on December 29, a day before she was to leave for South Africa to spend the holidays with her family.
Deepa Karuna Sooknandan, 19, fractured her jaw, pelvis and ankle.
Her brother Deepak described her condition as “critical”.
“Deepa currently has a contraption holding her hip, ankle bone and pelvis together. We are not sure how she fell and we are hoping the police investigation will give us some answers,” he said on Tuesday.
“We raised money for my sister Namitha to fly to China and be by her side. Deepa requires surgery, but the hospital has stopped treatment until our bill of R500 000 can be settled.”
He said his family had contacted the South African embassy for assistance, but were yet to receive a response.
“Deepa always wanted to become a doctor and as a little girl she was influenced by our father, Deepchand, to make that dream a reality. When he died of renal failure a few years ago she was more determined than ever to fulfil his dream,” Deepak said.
His sister matriculated from Isipingo Secondary School with an A aggregate but was not accepted into medical school in South Africa, he said. “Her only option was to study overseas and she managed to secure a place at a Chinese university.”
Deepak described his sister as compassionate and loving.
“When our dad died she vowed to help and serve those in need, especially people who were sick. Not being able to be by her side at this time has left our family shattered and not knowing if she will make it through another day is even more painful.”
Deepak, who is appealing for public assistance, can be contacted at 076 101 1178.