Dozens of children from Fiji and neighboring Pacific nations are poised to receive essential, life-saving heart surgeries this month as part of a significant healthcare initiative led by Dr. Shaun Setty from Stanford University. The Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva has announced that this new series of surgeries will occur from April 24 to 30, coinciding with its third anniversary.
The surgeries will cater to children suffering from congenital heart disease, with a strong commitment to providing these critical interventions free of charge, irrespective of the family’s financial situation. Dr. Setty’s team comprises 17 international specialists, including an anesthesiologist from the UAE, pediatric ICU nurses from Australia, and a clinical pharmacist from New Zealand. Their combined efforts aim to enhance the healthcare capacity in the region.
Dr. Krupali Tappoo, the hospital director, expressed profound gratitude for the ongoing dedication of this diverse medical team: “Their commitment brings hope and healing to families across the Pacific, and they play a vital role in building local medical capacity.”
Children from Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati will benefit from this initiative, which is supported by the Fijian Ministry of Health contributing local medical staff to assist during the surgeries. Since the hospital’s inception, it has conducted a remarkable 363 free heart surgeries, complemented by over 30,000 echocardiograms through various outreach and screening programs.
As the hospital marks this milestone, it will also welcome its founder, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, to commemorate the anniversary and to further emphasize its mission of transforming pediatric cardiac care across the region.
Dr. Tappoo reaffirmed the hospital’s vision, stating, “We will continue with free screenings and treatment, ensuring no child is left behind due to financial hardship.”
This initiative not only demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to pediatric health but also instills a hopeful outlook for families facing the challenges of congenital heart disease, paving the way for healthier futures across the Pacific.
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