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Friends of Fiji seek funds to promote heath care

A charitable organisation devoted to providing health care to the poor and the needy in Fiji is in need of funds to undertake another mission to the South Pacific Nation by the middle of the year.

Auckland based Friends of Fiji Health Foundation needs at least $150,000 to finance the costs involved in sending a team of medical specialists, practitioners and volunteers to Fiji on its second mission in June or July 2011.

Although the Foundation has been conducting charity events to mobilise financial resources, it has a long way to go to achieve its target.

All members of the team work on voluntary basis, investing their time and expertise to serve the cause of the Foundation, which is to lift the standard of health among the poor in Fiji, conduct life-saving surgery and provide treatment to those diagnosed with ailments.

Diabetes and Cardiovascular diseases are just among the two areas that need attention. A World Health Organisation 2008 Survey had said that there was an immediate need for strengthening clinical services for surgery, medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, ENT, emergency medicine and other relevant support services.

Specialists to Fiji

Bob Naidu, a Trustee of the Foundation, said the forthcoming mission will comprise a team of surgeons, general physicians and others including Gynaecologists, Anaesthetists, Anaesthetic Technicians, Theatre, Recovery, Pre-Clinic and Ward Nurses and a Physiotherapist.

“The 35-member delegation will account for a team of 23 surgical specialists and a support team consisting of a project manager and logistics expert. They will spend ten days in Fiji,” he said.

Foundation Chairman Dr Sunil Pillay said the first mission (November 26 to December 12, 2010) was useful and helped render medical attention and assistance to Fijians in Fiji.

“As well as providing surgical and medical services to the needy, the need to strengthen the preventative aspect is now recognised. One of the most important issues is to screen women who are vulnerable to cervical cancer in various districts in Fiji. We will use Colposcopy and Pap Smears tests,” he said.

Dr Pillay will lead the Ggynecology team, while Dr Ajay Kumar will be the leader of the Medical Specialist Team.

Moblising Resources

Mr Naidu, who will provide support services as the Project Manager, said that the cost of travel, accommodation, food and other items for the mission would be about $80,000.

“We would also need about $70,000 for purchase of specialist drugs, consumable and other expenses. We are seeking the support and assistance of large medical suppliers to provide us the necessary medicines free of cost or at subsidised rates. Our mission is to save lives, give Fijians in poor health a better chance to live and foster their standard of health,” he said.

Dr Pillay said the Foundation was relying on the philanthropy of leading businesses in New Zealand and Fiji and those who believe in charity and care for the welfare of their compatriots back home.

Selfless service

He said the first mission of the Foundation (November 26 to December 12, 2010) was successful.

“The surgical team, based at the Lautoka Hospital, carried out 61 procedures of which 54 were major, while the medical team focused on primary care in five smaller towns in the Western region. Two specialist physicians and their support staff assessed and formulated comprehensive management plans for 300 patients.”

Mr Naidu said the Foundation had a deficit of $17,000, which was filled by a number of Trustees through interest-free loans, until funds were raised.

The Foundation has planned a series of fundraising events, one of which was the Charity Golf Day held at the Maungakiekie Golf Club on March 20. A number of commercial organisations and individuals sponsored the daylong event, with a raffle draw for donated prizes.

Mr Naidu and Dr Pillay appealed to Indian Newslink readers and their families and friends for donation (cash and requisite medical supplies), stating that their support to a worthy cause could save precious lives.

“Details about the Foundation, mission statement, aims and objectives, activities and donations are contained on our website (www.fofh.co.nz). We look forward to the generous response from the public,” they said.

1. Friends of Fiji Foundation Trustees at the Charity Golf Day at Maungakiekie Golf Club on March 20 (from left) Dr Vinod Singh, Rajesh Chaudhary, Daven Naidu, Dr Sunil Pillay, Dr Rajen Prasad, Bob Naidu, Radhe Nand and Deepak Tahal. Among the other Trustees not in the picture are Dr Ajay Kumar, Dr Rishi Ram, Dr Rajendra Kumar and Dr Ravindra Raj.

2. The surgical team performing a critical operation in Fiji during the first visit in November 2010. Pictures for Indian Newslink

by Bhavnesh Soni ©

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