Every year, the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Fiji welcomes a range of visiting health specialists, from surgeons to nurses, who play a critical role in enhancing local medical care. Recently, a paediatric urology team from Melbourne arrived to support the local healthcare system. Dr. Josese Turagava, the hospital’s chief paediatric surgeon, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with visiting specialists, noting that they not only assist in complex cases but also help train local doctors and university students.
“The struggle is real,” Dr. Turagava remarked. He highlighted issues such as staffing shortages and infrastructural challenges that have persisted over the years. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic, especially about the potential to upskill trainees who will become the backbone of future healthcare in Fiji.
Dr. Neil Price, a paediatric urologist who has been visiting Fiji since 2016, has performed life-changing surgeries on children suffering from rare urological conditions. This year, he operated on 20 patients, tackling complexities that local surgeons are often not equipped to handle. Dr. Price noted the stark need for improved medical infrastructure, including better systems for record-keeping and radiology, which continue to hinder effective healthcare delivery.
He stressed the importance of early detection, stating that many issues faced by children could be managed better if routine antenatal screening was implemented. “In many cases, we are seeing children when their conditions have already complicated due to lack of early intervention,” he commented.
Moreover, post-operative and long-term care remain areas needing significant attention. Dr. Price called for a standardized electronic medical records system to ensure safer and more effective treatment outcomes for Fijian children. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful due to the increasing capabilities and independence of local surgeons.
In a similar vein, Dr. Russell Metcalfe, a paediatric radiologist, has been volunteering at CWMH since 2010, where he enhances local diagnostics while advocating for better radiology resources and training. He identified the lack of a reliable imaging storage system as a major concern, but with the recent reinstatement of the PACS system at CWMH, there is hope for improved medical imaging capabilities.
Dr. James Houghton, a paediatric anaesthetist from New Zealand, echoed this sentiment as he participates in lifesaving cardiac surgeries in Fiji. His group aims not only to provide assistance but also to build relationships with local anaesthetic trainees to ensure they acquire crucial skills through hands-on learning.
The ongoing efforts of medical professionals like Dr. Price, Dr. Metcalfe, and Dr. Houghton showcase a sustained commitment to improving healthcare in Fiji. Their dedication, combined with a growing independence among local surgeons, brings hope for advancing medical care and ensuring better health outcomes for future generations. The collaborative efforts highlight the essential role of international partnerships in transforming local healthcare landscapes, benefiting countless children in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
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