4 children from Fiji and Pacific receive life-saving heart surgeries at Sanjeevani Hospital

In a heart-warming celebration of life, four young children from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu have been discharged from the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva after undergoing successful, life-saving heart surgeries — all completely free of charge.

This marks the 21st visiting surgical mission at Sanjeevani Hospital, part of its unwavering commitment to ensure that no child in the Pacific is denied care due to lack of access or affordability.

In a statement, the hospital says the current mission, held from July 19th to 30th, is being conducted in collaboration with the Hearts4Kids Foundation and the Pasifika Medical Association Group. The Ministry of Health supports it through medical personnel from CWM Hospital, Labasa Hospital, and staff of Sanjeevani Hospital.

The 35-member team, comprising surgeons, nurses, and technicians from New Zealand and Australia, is led by Dr. Kirsten Finucane, former Head of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Starship Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Finucane says this is the third surgical mission by the Hearts4Kids team at Sanjeevani, further reinforcing their commitment to building regional pediatric cardiac care.

Among the children who received this precious gift of life are Aisea Lo’amanu, a 13-year-old boy from Tonga, Pesei Taauso, an 8-month-old baby girl from Samoa, Sakiusa Solikenabuka, a 1-year-old boy from Fiji and Charity Haruel, a 2-year-old girl from Vanuatu.

Dr. Finucane says these children represent more than individual stories of survival — they embody a shared vision of regional solidarity, equity, and compassion in healthcare across Fiji and the Pacific.

Speaking at the Gift of Life ceremony held at the hospital to mark the occasion, the Samoan High Commissioner to Fiji, Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia shared his heartfelt appreciation.

He says the initiative is a beacon of hope for Pacific families, and what they witness is not just advanced medical intervention — it is love in action.

On behalf of the people of Samoa, he extended their deepest gratitude to the Sanjeevani Hospital, the Hearts4Kids team, and the Pasifika Medical Association Group, who made it all possible.

With over 391 free pediatric heart surgeries performed to date, Sanjeevani Hospital continues to redefine what compassionate, accessible healthcare can look like in the region.