PM, wife are patrons of children’s heart facility
PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and wife Mary have been honoured as patrons of Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Facility during the 4th anniversary Sai Prema Foundation Fiji.
Prime Minister Bainimarama took time out to mark the occasion by visiting the Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital, a facility that will save the lives of countless children who suffer from congenital heart disease in Fiji and the Pacific.
“My Government fully supports the work of the Sai Prema Foundation’s projects and initiatives because of the great benefits they bring to this country and because of the example they set for others who have enjoyed success and have the means to share their blessings with their fellow citizens,” Prime Minister Bainimarama told guests and dignitaries gathered to mark the occasion at Muanikau road.
“In Fiji, it is Government’s responsibility to provide education, health care and social services to the people. But no government can do it all alone.”
“The partnerships Government has formed with the Sai Prema Foundation Fiji are an excellent example of the public and private sectors bringing their assets together to do things that would be more difficult for one of us to do alone.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama said Fiji has a strong tradition of civic action where many groups support different causes, and our society is richer for the work they do.
Sumeet Tappoo, the director for Sai Prema Foundation Fiji, said since its inauguration the foundation has opened a new Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre in 2018, and the following year inaugurated the South Pacific’s first Children’s Heart Screening Centre.
Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre has served more than 12,000 people completely free of cost.
“By bringing in teams of specialist children’s heart surgeons and support personnel from overseas to operate on our children suffering from congenital heart disease, the Sai Prema Foundation has saved the lives of 73 children and brought happiness to many families.”