Sai Prema Books Three for Echo Scan
Three Lami children had been booked for an echocardiogram (echo) scan at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital in Suva. An echocardiogram is a scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels.
The three children were found to have heart irregularities and they would be visiting the hospital in the coming weeks for further checkups. The three were among the 13 children from the Methodist community and Waikerekere Settlement in Veisari who attended the free medical screening at the Sai Sanjeevani Medical Centre yesterday.
Sai Prema Foundation coordinator Namrata Tappoo said one of the challenges they were facing during this pandemic was reaching out to people.
“We were not able to reach out to villages because of COVID-19 so we provided free bus services to bring the villagers here for free medical checkup,” Ms Tappoo said. Foundation secretary Remal Tappoo says when it comes to the wellbeing of Fijians, they would help those in need.
“Good health is one’s right and we make sure that everyone receives the best health care for free,” Mr Tappoo said.
“It doesn’t matter which faith, nationality or religion you are from, all services here are free of charge.
“Tell all your friends and families to come and take advantage of the free medical services provided.”
Meanwhile, the Foundation is working in partnership with Mama Ashy’s Projects in reaching out to the communities.
Project team leader, Frances Qounadovu, said: “We have built a network in Lami so when it is time for free medical checkups, we call the
Turaga-ni-koro and community nurses,” Ms Qounadovu said. “They coordinate with their community members and inform them about Sai Prema Foundation and their free services.”
Nikoia Rotan, 37, brought her three out of five children for checkup and said she wanted to make sure that her children were in good health.
Tebwebwenkirawa, 51 said she was very happy to get free checkup for herself.
“Medical consultations are usually costly at other hospitals and difficult to afford during these challenging times,” she said.
“In order to live we have to spend a good amount of money thanks to Sai Prema Foundation it’s all done for free.”
Mother of three, Makitalena Fulori, 29, came in with all her children.
“My child has not been eating well for too long, she has been coughing as well,” Ms Fulori said.
“Just because the medical services were free of charge, I thought to get my child checked up.
“I would like to advise all my community members to take advantage of the free medical services provided by Sai Prema Foundation.”