Women in Fiji’s Northern Division now have improved access to advanced gynecological care thanks to a significant donation from the Friends of Fiji Health charity group. This donation includes new hysteroscopy and laparoscopic equipment, allowing Labasa Hospital to become the first facility outside Australia and New Zealand to provide comprehensive hysteroscopy services.
The newly implemented service will help in the early diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of various conditions, including endometrial cancer, infertility, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Previously, women requiring such complex procedures often had to travel to Suva or Lautoka, facing potential delays and the need for more invasive and longer recovery surgeries.
Dr. Sunil Pillay, a gynaecologist and member of the Friends of Fiji Health, stated, “In well-chosen cases, we may be able to replace hysterectomy with a simple day-stay procedure — saving time for the hospital and allowing patients to return home and recover faster.”
In addition to improving patient outcomes, Dr. Pillay noted that the new equipment would empower local doctors, who are currently undergoing training to perform these advanced procedures independently.
The Permanent Secretary for Health commended the donation, stating that it is timely and essential for enhancing health services within the Northern Division. He acknowledged that the laparoscopic tower and diagnostic instruments would significantly boost the hospital’s capabilities.
Moreover, the donation includes bipolar diathermy technology, which Dr. Pillay pointed out is not available in some facilities even in New Zealand. This initiative reflects a growing partnership between Friends of Fiji Health and the Ministry of Health to enhance healthcare delivery, ensuring that high-quality medical treatment becomes more accessible to people in the North of Fiji.
The advancements in medical infrastructure at Labasa Hospital symbolize a broader initiative to improve healthcare services in Fiji, reflecting a commitment to delivering world-class treatment and improving patient care through international collaboration. This positive development highlights the impact of charitable contributions in transforming healthcare access and outcomes for communities in need.