A grandmother named Amla Wati expresses her gratitude to the Friends of Fiji Health, a charitable organization from New Zealand, for giving her a new lease on life after her operation on Wednesday.
The Friends of Fiji Health group, which includes doctors, nurses, and support staff, has been performing complex surgeries at the Labasa Divisional Hospital since last Friday.
Ms. Wati, a 62-year-old resident of Korovatu in Labasa, had a gall bladder stone removed on Wednesday at the Labasa Divisional Hospital.
“I had been in pain for two months, and the news that an overseas team of medical experts was coming to perform operations gave me hope,” Ms. Wati said. “I was scared about the thought of having the operation, but I am grateful to the team that carried out the task. They were gentle and friendly. The team from overseas and local surgeons who performed the operation were really good, and I feel healthy again.”
Ms. Wati’s surgery lasted for two hours. She is currently recovering in the hospital.
“Following this successful operation, I can’t wait to share with my community how these wonderful doctors and others have medically transformed my life,” she added. “At this age, the cost of such operations is expensive, and I am thankful that the service was free of charge.”
Labasa Hospital Board of Visitors chairperson Hazeem Hussein commented, “Any operation that alleviates people’s pain is a good deed.” He added that the medical team members sacrificed their time to help patients with complex surgeries and operations.
The medical team is set to return to New Zealand this week. Mr. Hussein is hopeful for more visits from the team in the future.