Fiji has one of the highest rates of diabetes-related amputations in the world, and according to the Ministry of Health, about three procedures are performed daily in major hospitals.
Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta highlighted this during the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences International Health Conference at the University of Fiji in Lautoka this morning.
Mehta says the burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, obesity, kidney and cardiovascular diseases in Fiji are increasingly prevalent.
He says each year, hundreds of thousands of patients from Fiji, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and other Pacific nations travel to India for advanced treatment in cardiac surgery, kidney transplants, orthopaedic and spinal procedures, cancer therapy and diagnostics, and holistic wellness care.
The Indian Commissioner says the establishment of a 100-bed super speciality hospital in Nasinu will offer advanced diagnostics and care in cardiology serving the broader Pacific region.
He further says we must focus on prevention through education, empowering communities to make healthier choices through school programs and other awareness initiatives.
Mehta adds that early detection and community screening, especially for diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases, is critical.
The Conference will conclude tomorrow.
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