A remarkable milestone in pediatric healthcare has been achieved this week as a seven-month-old baby and a 10-month-old infant were among 13 children who underwent life-saving heart surgeries at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Nasese, Suva. This surgery marked the 25th surgical mission organized at the facility, with a dedicated team comprising experts from Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea spearheading the initiative.
The charitable organization Healing Little Hearts, based in the UK, teamed up with the hospital to facilitate this vital mission. Dr. Prem Venugopal, an esteemed cardiothoracic surgeon from the Queensland Children’s Hospital, led the surgical team. The endeavor received encouragement and support from the Ministry of Health, with key collaborations involving CWM Hospital, Labasa Hospital, and Aspen Lautoka Hospital. All 13 children who benefitted from this care hailed from Fiji, signifying a positive impact on local families.
The parents of the young patients expressed immense gratitude for the life-saving procedures. One mother, who traveled from Pacific Harbour with her seven-month-old daughter, Yuvaani Chand, shared her heartfelt appreciation for the hospital’s efforts. She urged other parents to seek medical assistance, stressing the importance of addressing health concerns early. “A lot of parents are afraid of what will happen to their child,” she remarked, emphasizing the value of getting children checked at the hospital. Her experience underscored a quick recovery, noting that in just three days, Yuvaani was well on her way to healing.
The mother also highlighted the hospital’s nurturing atmosphere, praising the supportive staff that fostered comfort during their stay. “We are grateful and blessed to have this children’s hospital, which has no billing counter and provides treatment and care absolutely free of charge,” she stated, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all.
This touching narrative not only showcases the pivotal role of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in saving lives but also illustrates the dedication of medical professionals from diverse regions working together for the betterment of children’s health in Fiji. Such initiatives underline the importance of providing life-saving medical care and inspire hope for many families in need.