Children in Fiji and the surrounding Pacific nations are set to receive life-saving heart surgeries this month, provided at no cost. From April 24 to 30, a 17-member medical team led by Dr. Shaun Setty, a cardiothoracic surgeon from Stanford University, will conduct surgeries for children suffering from congenital heart disease.
This mission unites top healthcare professionals from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE, reaffirming a shared commitment to improving pediatric heart health in the region. Dr. Krupali Tappoo, the director of the Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, noted that Dr. Setty and his team have made annual visits since the hospital opened, providing critical care and training for local medical staff while instilling hope in affected families.
These surgeries will coincide with the hospital’s third anniversary and will benefit children from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati. The founder of the hospital, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, will also attend the celebrations, underscoring the significance of this occasion.
Since its inception, the hospital has performed 363 free heart surgeries and over 30,000 free echocardiograms, showcasing its proactive approach to early detection and effective treatment of heart conditions. Dr. Tappoo emphasized that their dedicated screening team works diligently to identify children who require care, with the goal of expanding access to services across Fiji and the Pacific Islands.
This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of organizations like Sanjeevani to address critical pediatric health needs, emphasizing not only the importance of immediate medical intervention but also the long-term benefits of collaboration and training in improving local healthcare capabilities. Families facing heart disease can remain hopeful, as initiatives such as these pave the way for a healthier future for children in the region.
Leave a comment