The increasing prevalence of pediatric heart disease in the Pacific has prompted urgent calls for localized solutions. At the International Health Conference 2025 in Lautoka, Dr. Krupali Tappoo, Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, emphasized the critical need for additional resources to treat children born with heart defects throughout the region.
Dr. Tappoo noted that congenital heart disease is now recognized as a major health crisis, affecting hundreds of children annually who lack essential access to life-saving surgeries. She stated, “They are the most common serious birth defects in the world… For some parents, it can be heartbreaking if they cannot afford surgery—or worse, if surgery isn’t even available—despite knowing that treatment exists.”
The Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, located in Suva, Fiji, offers free high-quality heart surgeries for children within Fiji and surrounding countries. In its three years of operation, the hospital has successfully conducted over 378 heart surgeries and provided more than 30,000 echocardiograms through outreach programs, showcasing its commitment to both healing and empowering families impacted by these conditions.
The hospital’s mission is not only to provide medical care but also to educate and empower communities. “This hospital exists to give children a new gift of life. These conditions are not their fault. As a society, it’s our responsibility to help,” asserted Dr. Tappoo.
Further aligning with past initiatives, the hospital celebrates its achievements while continuing efforts to improve healthcare access across the Pacific region. Collaborations with international medical teams, such as those led by Dr. Shaun Setty of Stanford University, have reinforced their commitment to enhancing pediatric heart health. Remarkably, this collaboration also serves as a training platform for local medical staff, thereby nurturing self-sufficiency within the local healthcare system.
The significant reduction in barriers to accessing heart surgery gives hope to families grappling with congenital heart disease, suggesting a promising future for pediatric cardiac care in the Pacific. Such initiatives not only save lives but also foster a sense of community and commitment among healthcare providers and local populations.
The ongoing dedication evident in these healthcare initiatives highlights the positive strides being made for children with heart defects, reassuring families facing these challenges that they are not alone and that effective help is available.
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