NZ cardiac team to perform life-saving heart surgeries at Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital

New Zealand’s leading pediatric cardiac team is now in Fiji with a mission to perform life-saving heart surgeries at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva.

The hospital says this initiative marks a significant collaboration between the Hearts 4 Kids New Zealand team, headed by the Dr. Kirsten Finucane and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade facilitated through the innovative New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme.

They say the effort is further coordinated by the Pasifika Medical Association Group demonstrating a robust commitment to regional healthcare partnerships.

While acknowledging Dr. Finucane, her team and Pasifika Medical Association for ensuring that children across Fiji and the Pacific region receive vital medical treatments, Sai Sanjeevani Hospital Director Dr. Krupali Tappoo says these interventions will positively impact families who may not have otherwise been able to afford such specialised medical care.

Dr. Tappoo says during this latest surgical mission children not only from Fiji but also from neighbouring South Pacific Islands such as Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Kiribati will benefit from life-saving surgeries at no charge.

The 36-member specialist team from Hearts 4 Kids New Zealand is set to perform a range of complex surgeries at the Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital, reinforcing their dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes in the region.

Dr. Finucane says they are happy to return to Suva, underscoring their commitment to providing top-notch medical services to those in need.

She says through their collective efforts they continue to make significant strides in improving medical outcomes and enriching lives throughout the Pacific community.

She adds by offering essential pediatric cardiac services the hospital not only saves lives but also fosters long-term health improvements within the community.

Dr. Finucane says the hospital’s impact extends far beyond the surgical missions, as evidenced by the over 18,500 echocardiograms and 304 life-saving surgeries performed to date, all provided free of charge.