TITILIA Tariuduvako, a 39-year-old from Wainivo Settlement in Tailevu, received life-changing news about her seven-year-old son, Joeli Tubuna, last year. Despite showing no signs of illness, a screening by a visiting team from the National University Hospital (NUH) uncovered a congenital heart defect characterized by a hole in his heart.
On November 27, 2023, Ms. Tariuduvako learned that her son’s condition necessitated surgical intervention, scheduled for February 2025. The family’s initial shock was softened by the reassurance that her other four sons had undergone screenings and were healthy. “I was so shocked; he seemed perfectly fine,” she reflected, highlighting the critical importance of health screenings for children.
After informing her husband, who is working in Australia, Ms. Tariuduvako sought additional information about Joeli’s condition. She expressed deep gratitude for the support received from the Sai Prema Foundation and the hospital in Suva, emphasizing her hope for her son’s recovery. “I am so happy that he got this gift of life,” she stated, praising the foundation for providing free services. She encouraged other parents to pursue health screenings for their children, as they could be life-saving.
This experience mirrors that of other families who have benefited from the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital. For example, Emali Kurulo from Yasawa discovered her daughter had a heart defect through a screening facilitated by the Sai Prema Foundation. Since its establishment in April 2022, the foundation has enabled numerous heart surgeries, greatly impacting the lives of many children and their families.
The emphasis on early screenings is a crucial takeaway from these narratives, reminding parents of the essential role these assessments play in safeguarding children’s health. The proactive healthcare approach adopted by these families, coupled with the availability of specialized medical services, underscores the transformative power of accessible healthcare in improving lives. With continued support from organizations like the Sai Prema Foundation, there is hope for many more children to receive the care they need.
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