The Sai Prema Foundation has noted a remarkable increase in the number of heart surgeries being conducted. According to hospital director Krupali Tappoo, a total of 332 surgeries took place between April 2022 and September 2024. This surge is attributed to a growing number of children seeking surgical procedures each month.
Ms. Tappoo commented on the situation, stating that there are numerous undetected heart defect cases throughout the Pacific, including Fiji. She observed that the foundation has been operating for two years and that the recent rise in surgeries was prompted by increased screenings.
“We’re seeing that there’s more awareness, and we’re doing a lot of screening,” she explained. The heightened awareness and ongoing screening initiatives are fundamental in driving this positive trend.
She encouraged parents to take advantage of free screenings offered at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Screening Centre. “It’s better to operate on your child at a stage where the condition isn’t as critical. Don’t wait for circumstances to worsen; come now,” she urged.
Additionally, the hospital has expanded its services to include children from other Pacific countries, such as Samoa, and is collaborating with New Zealand’s Starship team and the Pacifica Medical Association for further assistance.
In observance of World Heart Day, the team plans to travel to Bua to support the Ministry of Health with their screening initiatives.