The Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevni Children’s Hospital in Fiji has reached a significant milestone, having performed over 400 free life-saving heart surgeries for children from Fiji and the Pacific islands since its founding three years ago. The hospital’s director, Dr. Krupali Tappoo, expressed pride in this achievement but also highlighted the substantial ongoing costs required to maintain the service, which depends heavily on donations and government support.
If these surgeries were conducted overseas, the cost to families would collectively exceed $40 million. Each surgery abroad could cost more than $100,000, imposing a massive financial burden on families who seek such critical medical care. Despite the Government providing an annual grant, it covers only part of the operational costs, including medication, surgical consumables, and logistics for visiting specialists. As a result, the hospital has to raise an additional $2 to $3 million annually to cover further expenses and any extra equipment.
The hospital’s unwavering commitment to offering free pediatric heart surgeries has not only provided immediate relief for children but has also transformed the lives of their families by alleviating a major financial strain. The Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital is noted for its collaborative efforts, frequently partnering with international medical teams from nations such as Singapore and Australia to expand pediatric cardiac care capabilities across the Pacific.
In addition to surgeries, the hospital also emphasizes comprehensive heart health awareness. Its extensive heart screening programs have reached over 30,000 children, extending to remote regions, illustrating the hospital’s broad impact throughout the Pacific. This initiative has encouraged hope and instilled a broader sense of community, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare.
The efforts of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevni Children’s Hospital demonstrate a profound commitment to pediatric healthcare and the power of compassionate service, fostering a brighter future for countless families. This remarkable institution exemplifies the transformative impact that hospitals can have in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. As it continues to expand its reach and capacity, the hospital remains a beacon of hope and humanity in the region, demonstrating the positive change that dedicated healthcare can achieve.
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