Amla Wati, a grandmother from Korovatu, Labasa, expressed her gratitude towards the Friends of Fiji Health, a charitable organization from New Zealand, for providing her with a new lease on life after her operation on Wednesday. This organization, consisting of doctors, nurses, and support staff, has been performing complex surgeries at Labasa Divisional Hospital since last Friday.
Ms. Wati, 62, had a gall bladder stone removed during a two-hour operation. She described her previous two months of pain and how the news of an overseas medical team arriving gave her hope. Although initially fearful of the surgery, she praised the team for their gentleness and friendliness. She commended both the international and local surgeons, expressing her improved health post-operation.
Currently recovering in the hospital, Ms. Wati looks forward to sharing her positive experience with her community. She acknowledged the high costs of such operations, especially at her age, and expressed her appreciation that the service was free of charge.
Hazeem Hussein, Chairperson of the Labasa Hospital Board of Visitors, highlighted the importance of operations that relieve people’s pain, lauding the medical team for their dedication and sacrifices. The team is scheduled to return to New Zealand this week, but Mr. Hussein remains hopeful for more such visits in the future.