A migrant worker who was denied compensation for a debilitating occupational lung disease has finally received compensation after two years of campaigning to have his case recognized.

Zhang Haichao, 28, who made headlines in China in the past couple of years, said Wednesday he had received a compensation of 615,000 yuan (US$91,000) from the brick factory in the central Henan Province where he used to work.

Zhang fought two years for treatment and compensation after contracting pneumoconiosis, a debilitating lung disease, from working at Zhendong Wearable Material Co. Ltd, a company that produces silicic bricks and fireproof materials.

Zhang said. "I feel lucky that so many people were concerned about me. But I hope that more attention will be given to migrant workers so that it will not be so difficult for us to safeguard our legal rights."

It has taken Zhang both time and physical pain to settle his case.

Results of an initial medical check, which confirmed his work-related pneumoconiosis, were suppressed by his employer. Further, a local agency for occupational disease control failed to provide supporting evidence or order the factory to pay compensation.

Zhang was eventually given treatment and compensation after undergoing a thoracotomy, an operation to gain access to the lungs, of his own volition.

As a result of the case, six local health officials and doctors were either sacked or suspended.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2009)