The Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital established by the Sai Prema Foundation celebrated its second anniversary this evening, marking an important milestone in the hospital’s vision to provide free life-saving heart surgeries to children suffering from congenital heart disease in Fiji and across the Pacific.
Since the inception of the Gift of Life program, 277 children in Fiji and neighboring Pacific island countries have received life-saving heart surgeries at no cost.
Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, in delivering his official remarks, said that the hospital is truly a “God-send for us”.
“While Government aims to provide quality, affordable and efficient health services for all, this seems like a pipe-dream given our economic challenges,” he told those in attendance.
“Within the first year, the hospital has fulfilled its promise to become the hub for pediatric cardiac care for the Pacific region. This is indeed a proud moment for Fiji and I am pleased that we are also holding the Gift of Life ceremony this evening.”
The Gift of Life ceremony honored the children who have benefitted from life-saving heart surgeries. The ceremony also honors their parents and the incredible surgical team for their efforts to save lives.
The hospital’s success is not just a local achievement, but part of a broader vision inspired by the global humanitarian and hospital founder Sadguru Sri Madhusudan, who was also present at the celebration.
Sri Madhusudan spearheads a unique global mission across 32 Countries and since 2011, he has established institutes of excellence in education, healthcare, nutrition and spirituality across the world.
In acknowledging the work of the hospital and Sai Prema Foundation, the PM highlighted that they have served more than 25,000 Fijians free of charge, with more than 16,000 heart screenings conducted on children through the hospital’s state-of-the-art specialist Children’s Heart Screening Centre.
“All surgeries and treatments are completely free of cost. It is a matter of great pride that Fiji is the first nation in the Pacific and Oceania region to have such a hospital. This hospital is the answer to prayers of many of mothers and families,” he added.
“More than 6500 rural dwellers, children from various orphanages and patients from aged-care homes have also been served free of charge through outreach medical camps in rural villages.
“Over four million meals have been served through the provision of grocery packs to the underprivileged especially during the COVID pandemic.
“Without good Fijians like Mahendra, Maya, Sumeet and Krupali Tappoo, we would not be here today to celebrate the 277 surgeries successfully carried out right here in Fiji benefitting not only the children and families of Fiji, but also the Pacific.”
PM Rabuka, at the same time, revealed that the People’s Coalition Government has provided a grant to support the operational expenses of the hospital.
He highlighted that a new 100-bed hospital is being planned in Nasinu with support from the Government of India, further expanding access to cardiac surgery for the people of Fiji.
The Sai Sanjeevani Children’s hospital has been dubbed as one of the best as it matches the standard of any medical facility in the USA, Singapore, Australia or New Zealand.
