Friends of Fiji Health NZ Inc. (FOFH), a New Zealand-based medical charity, is preparing to undertake its 34th medical mission to Fiji, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s long-standing commitment to improving healthcare for underserved communities.
FOFH operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Fiji, allowing the organisation to deploy medical missions across various specialties, including gynaecology, general surgery, stroke care, gastroenterology, and renal services. For over 14 years, FOFH has collaborated with the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services, delivering essential medical services free of charge to thousands of patients.
In a groundbreaking move, FOFH has now expanded its services to include urology. On 23 September 2024, Fijian-born urological surgeon Dr. Imran Ali will lead a week-long mission to Labasa Hospital, where his team will perform over 30 complex procedures on patients who have been waiting years for treatment. This mission is especially vital for Fiji, where only one fully qualified public urologist serves a population of over 900,000 people.
Dr. Ali’s team, which includes three other specialist doctors, a nurse specialist, and an anaesthetic technician, will not only conduct life-changing surgeries but also focus on professional development for local medical staff. Their mission will emphasise hands-on training and knowledge transfer to ensure long-term improvements in healthcare delivery in Fiji.
As part of this mission, FOFH will donate a state-of-the-art Olympus Thulium Soltive laser, a laparoscopic tower, and other minimally invasive endoscopic equipment to aid in the treatment of kidney stones and other urological conditions. This donation, along with other essential medical supplies valued at more than NZ$300,000, will help bring world-class healthcare to Fijians, matching the standard of care available in New Zealand and Australia.
FOFH’s ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji, along with support from Labasa Hospital’s doctors, nurses, and administrators, has been instrumental in the success of these missions. The charity also expressed gratitude to the local community and NGOs for their unwavering support in making the mission possible.
As FOFH embarks on its 34th mission since its founding in 2010, the charity continues to focus on patient care and capacity-building, reinforcing its vision of creating a lasting, positive impact on Fiji’s healthcare system. FOFH remains committed to ensuring that all Fijians have access to high-quality, equitable healthcare.