Friends of Fiji Health, a charitable organization based in New Zealand, has successfully conducted nearly 20 complex surgeries at Labasa Divisional Hospital. Since their debut visit in 2014, a team of 12, which includes doctors, nurses, and specialized staff, has built a strong partnership with the hospital.
The team arrived on July 26 and stayed until August 4, under the leadership of trustee Avinash Sharma, a general surgeon with a focus on oncology. They tackled a variety of intricate cases, spanning from head and neck surgeries to abdominal procedures. Mr. Sharma mentioned, “Patients aged between 50 and 100 were triaged, with those in the most urgent need prioritized for surgery.”
The medical team comprised three surgeons, an anaesthetist, and theater staff, including three nurses and an anaesthetic technician. While the number of surgeries varied each day, Mr. Sharma emphasized their dedication to quality over sheer volume. “Some cases took three to five hours for each patient, but our aim is to ensure the best possible care,” he noted.
In addition to the surgeries, the team also donated advanced medical equipment to Labasa Hospital, such as anaesthetic machines, operating tables, and laparoscopy towers. This donation is intended to enhance future surgical procedures and strengthen local healthcare resources.
Sharma, who hails from Lautoka, expressed pride in giving back to his home country. “We feel honored to return and serve the local community,” he stated. Dr. Amrita Kumar, a general practitioner and team coordinator, shared similar sentiments.