A New Zealand-based charity, Friends of Fiji Health, has successfully carried out nearly 20 complex surgeries at Labasa Divisional Hospital. This organization has built a strong rapport with the hospital since their initial visit in 2014.
The team, comprising 12 members including doctors, nurses, and specialized staff, arrived on July 26 and concluded their mission on August 4. Led by Avinash Sharma, a general surgeon with expertise in oncology, the team tackled a variety of challenging cases that included surgeries related to the head, neck, and abdomen. Mr. Sharma shared that patients aged between 50 and 100 were prioritized based on their medical urgency.
The surgical team consisted of three surgeons, an anaesthetist, and operating room personnel, among them three nurses and an anaesthetic technician. Mr. Sharma highlighted their focus on providing quality care, noting that while the number of operations varied each day, some procedures required three to five hours.
In addition to surgeries, the team contributed state-of-the-art medical equipment to Labasa Hospital, including anaesthetic machines, operating tables, and laparoscopy towers. This equipment aims to enhance future surgical capabilities and support local healthcare improvements.
Sharma, who hails from Lautoka, expressed his pride in returning to serve the local community. He stated, “We feel honoured to come back and render our services.” Dr. Amrita Kumar, a general practitioner and team coordinator, shared similar feelings of commitment and honor.