An Indonesian Navy hospital vessel, KRI dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991, has provided free medical services to 504 patients in Suva over two days, bringing essential healthcare services closer to members of the public.
The crew was farewelled last night, with Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto thanking the Indonesian Government and its naval crew for their service to the people of Fiji. Speaking at a farewell reception, Naupoto said the visit was particularly meaningful as Fiji celebrated its Independence Day, adding that the medical services had given many Fijians renewed hope and access to essential healthcare. He said there could be no more fitting gift to the people of Fiji than improved health and well-being. The ship provided eye checks, dental care, radiology and electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Naupoto acknowledged the ship’s 316 crew members, including naval personnel, doctors, nurses, media officers and university students, for their contribution during the visit. He said the visit had also created valuable opportunities for Fijian healthcare workers to exchange knowledge and learn from their Indonesian counterparts. The visit was part of Indonesia’s 2026 Navy Hospital Ship Port Visit programme, carried out under the theme Bridging Nations, Serving Humanity. Naupoto said the initiative reflected Indonesia’s continued support for Fiji and its commitment to strengthening healthcare cooperation across the Pacific. He also thanked the Indonesian Government and the Indonesian Embassy in Suva for coordinating the visit. The ship is scheduled to depart Fiji today for the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, where it will continue its humanitarian activities. Naupoto wished the crew a safe journey and expressed hope that they would return to Fiji in the future.
