Medical Care for the Needy in Fiji

The SSSIO recently held the 16th Annual Medical Camp in Fiji with the help of 17 doctors, 13 registered nurses, 2 lab technicians and volunteers from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and USA and local Fijian volunteers to make a 120-strong team. They served an astounding 2,530 patients at six different locations during July 23–28, 2023. These medical camps have targeted predominantly remote areas of Fiji, spreading Sai Love through a multidisciplinary healthcare team that offered various services outlined below.

Medications and blood testing kits worth up to NZ$20,000 and healthcare equipment and supplies worth up to NZ$100,000 were air freighted in advance and stored at the SSSIO’s Viseisei Sai Health Centre in Fiji.

Due to the remoteness of some areas, one truck carried all medications, equipment, and associated supplies, whilst a second truck transported necessary furnishings. Two 60-seater passenger buses carried the healthcare professionals and volunteers. The logistics team ensured efficient coordination and patient flow through each station, commencing at registration and triage.

Multi-disciplinary medical services were provided, including screening for hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and cervical cancers, and specialist care in Internal Medicine including Geriatrics and Stroke, General and Paediatric surgery, Psychiatry, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Gynaecology, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Dentistry and Pharmacy.

A wide range of diagnostic facilities provided comprehensive evaluation of patients for a better management plan. Free medicines were dispensed, including for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. It is noteworthy that 2,331 prescriptions of medicines were dispensed and over a thousand spectacles were given out, among many services rendered.

The medical camp was an opportunity to network with and upskill local professional nurses, and to teach medical students from the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine. The SSSIO oncologist provided specialist advice at multi-disciplinary meetings at the main hospital in Suva and another hospital in Lautoka. A gastroenterologist performed endoscopies in a Lautoka hospital over two days (two lists) due to the hospital’s urgent need.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba says service to man is service to God – this is a heartwarming example of selfless service rendered with love and compassion, which is the highest form of sadhana.

Jai Sai Ram

Media Committee
Sri Sathya Sai International Organization