Grandmother Amla Wati is expressing her gratitude to the Friends of Fiji Health charitable organization from New Zealand after they performed a life-changing operation on her this past Wednesday.
Friends of Fiji Health consists of doctors, nurses, and support staff who have been treating complex cases at Labasa Divisional Hospital since last Friday.
Amla Wati, 62, from Korovatu, Labasa, underwent surgery to remove a gall bladder stone at Labasa Divisional Hospital on Wednesday.
“I had been experiencing pain for two months, and hearing that an overseas team of medical experts was coming to perform operations brought me hope,” Ms. Wati stated.
“I was initially scared at the thought of surgery, but I am very grateful to the team that conducted the procedure. They were gentle and friendly.
“The team of overseas and local surgeons who performed the operation were excellent, and I feel healthy again.”
Ms. Wati’s surgery lasted two hours, and she is currently recovering in the hospital.
“After this successful operation, I’m eager to share with my community how these wonderful doctors and others have medically transformed my life,” she said.
“At my age, such operations are costly, and I am thankful that this service was provided free of charge.”
“Any operation that alleviates people’s pain is an example of a good deed,” said Labasa Hospital Board of Visitors Chairperson Hazeem Hussein.
Mr. Hussein praised the medical team members for sacrificing their time to help patients with complex surgeries.
The team is set to return to New Zealand this week.
Mr. Hussein is hopeful that there will be more visits from the New Zealand team in the future.