Sumintra Sundar was one of 25 patients who recently benefited from innovative laser treatment for kidney stones at Labasa Hospital. This groundbreaking procedure was carried out by a medical team from Friends of Fiji Health (FOFH) based in New Zealand last week.
The 60-year-old resident of Waidamudamu, Labasa, had been dealing with kidney stones since 2017. As the treatment using laser technology and minimally invasive telescopic cameras is not available in either public or private hospitals in Fiji, she had been eagerly awaiting assistance from an overseas medical team.
Historically, surgery for kidney stones in Fiji relied on large incisions, but the procedure available at Labasa represents a significant advancement in surgical techniques, made possible by FOFH.
Ms. Sundar became the first patient in Fiji to undergo this procedure, which was conducted by Dr. Imran Ali, the team’s leader. Following her successful surgery, she was seen joyfully spending time with her grandchildren and her husband, Ram Sundar.
“I am truly thankful to FOFH for successfully performing my surgery,” Ms. Sundar expressed. “I was worried about the possibility of being cut open, so I was incredibly relieved to find out that the procedure involved no incisions at all.”
Dr. Ali, expressing his pride in being able to serve his fellow Fijians, shared in Ms. Sundar’s excitement about providing such advanced medical care through the efforts of FOFH.
Established in July 2010, FOFH is a registered charity in New Zealand dedicated to forming specialist teams that travel to Fiji to deliver medical care to underserved communities. During their five-day visit, the team conducted a series of free operations.