Building bridges to health
Why Fiji needs more specialised hospitals
MATAIASI Stark reported in an article titled “$4m grant for children hospital” (FT, 7.2.2024) about the excellent and hard work carried out by Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
This is a much-awaited step towards supporting a symbol of gifting life to many young ones from Fiji and around the world.
The hospital has lifted medical service in Fiji and the Pacific through state-of-the-art facilities for cardiac operations on infants with congenital defects. A multinational surgical team has conducted a multitude of cardiac procedures. It has resulted in the emergence of extraordinary narratives.
These medical specialists have been diligently striving to save the lives of many youngsters. The poignant and disheartening narratives of young individuals afflicted with congenital heart disease (CHE) have really affected us emotionally.
There have been successful surgeries under the guidance of a team of skilled specialists, particularly pediatric heart surgeons. The realisation of this ideal owes much to the efforts of the Sai Prema Foundation founders — Mahendra Tappoo, Sumeet Tappoo, and Dr Krupali Rathod Tappoo — who have wholeheartedly dedicated their time and energy to this cause. This commendable effort is also supported by medical teams from around the world.
Doctor Krupali Tappoo, the director of Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, said the facility was constructed to relieve the distress of children in Fiji and the Pacific region while also ensuring that they are not burdened with any financial obligations (Mosese Raqio, FijiVillage 28.4.2023).
Dr Tappoo said since the inauguration, “12 visiting teams from Australia, Czech Republic, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Slovenia, United Kingdom, and United States of America, have conducted 260 free surgeries for children with CHD not only from Fiji but also Tuvalu, Kiribati, Christmas Island, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands” (Fiji One 5 Feb 2024).
The concept of “service to humanity” serves as an exemplary model that inspires people. It encompasses the principles of “service to mankind” and the well-being of all living creatures. This op-ed discusses the issue pivotal issue of reasons why a nation needs more special and specialised hospitals.
Nation needs more specialised hospitals
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said: “Before the opening of the hospital, there were no treatments available in Fiji, and families were unable to afford to go overseas to save their children, as costs were more than $10,000. Families often have to wait for the specialist visiting teams that come once or twice a year. Unfortunately, for some of our families, the wait is often too long” (FT 7.2.2024).
This is the condition of many other Pacific Islands. Similarly, numerous Pacific Island countries have difficulty obtaining healthcare services, particularly specialised medical treatment.
Congenital cardiac disease is a prevalent birth condition that affects newborns and children in both developed and developing countries.
The frequency of congenital heart disease (CHD) may be elevated in some underdeveloped nations owing to factors like restricted availability of prenatal healthcare, increased incidence of viral disorders affecting foetal growth, and genetic predisposition.
Establishing facilities that treat coronary heart disease (CHD) might effectively fulfil the need for specialised medical attention for those afflicted by this condition.
Constructing a CHD hospital may guarantee that persons afflicted with congenital heart abnormalities have convenient access to essential diagnostic, therapy, and surgical services in their vicinity, diminishing the need for patients to undertake extensive journeys for medical attention.
It is essential for building the capacity of the nation, where prompt identification and proper treatment of congenital heart disease are vital for enhancing outcomes and decreasing the incidence of illness and death related to the condition.
An exclusive CHD hospital can provide specialised treatment by proficient healthcare personnel, resulting in improved results for patients with CHD.
Conclusion
In general, creating a similar hospital specifically for congenital heart disease in the Pacific Islands may significantly impact meeting the healthcare requirements of young ones with CHD, expanding the availability of specialised medical services and eventually improving health results in the area.
The financial support to the Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital is an applauding initiative that will provide an opportunity to get medical care for the lives of numerous children and needy parents who would not have afforded the expenditure of such surgeries.
■ DR SAKUL KUNDRA is an Associate Dean (Research) and Associate Professor at the College of Humanities and Education at Fiji National University. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer. Email dr.sakulkundra@gmail.com