5 out of 30 children from Bilo Settlement in Lami who came to the Sai Prema Foundation for free medical screening today were found to have heart irregularities.
Health on Wheels Coordinator for the Foundation, Namrata Tappoo says a HD stethoscope which is used to detect irregularities in the heart was used on all children under the age of 16.
She says the children have been referred for detailed echo at the Foundation's heart screening centre.
Tappoo says if parents face difficulties with transport in bringing their children for further screenings, the Foundation is always ready to help.
The Foundation has to date provided free heart screenings to more than 360 children and performed free heart surgeries on 71 children in Fiji.
The Sai Prema Foundation provided free transport to more than 60 villagers of Bilo Settlement to come for free medical screening.
Meanwhile, 67 year old Varaame Vata, who is the second oldest person in Bilo Settlement says this is the first time this sort of assistance has been provided to the settlement.
He says the transport provided by the Foundation came right to the Settlement to pick them up whereas normally they have to walk for about half an hour for transport.
Tappoo says they are providing this assistance every week for people living within 30 kilometres of the Foundation which is located in Nasese, Suva.
She says villages who would like to access this free service can contact them on 3312265.
