“So I was able to provide them with medical supplies which they needed most.”

United States non-profit medical suppliers EqualMed yesterday supplied about $20,000 worth of medical equipment to Diabetes Fiji in Suva.

EqualMed founder Nivita Sharma said she cleared a 6.1 metre (20 foot) container worth $19,980 ($US10,000) of medical supplies with authorities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

Ms Sharma is originally from Sigatoka. Her parents and grandparents were born in Fiji.

She is continuing the work of her late grandmother Sarita Sharma who was known for her charity and community service work in the 70s and 80’s for the poor through the Sigatoka Women’s Club.

Ms Sharma said she was able to identify what Diabetes Fiji needed the most last month during an intervention programme where she was able to analyse their project.

“While I was working with them, we talked about the lack of supplies in the communities and in the peer groups,” Ms Sharma said.

“So I was able to provide them with medical supplies which they needed the most.

“This is the first time EqualMed is donating to Diabetes Fiji.

“Fiji needs a lot of medical services, and I will keep on donating medical equipment to help the people of Fiji.

“Whatever Diabetes Fiji needs I will be able to donate it in the future.”

Ms Sharma said medical equipment from EqualMed was distributed directly to Diabetes Fiji.

The 20-year-old is studying for her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Georgia.

She said EqualMed had been donating to many of the health centres in Fiji since 2014.

Diabetes Fiji chief executive Viliame Qio commended the organisation for the big donation.

Mr Qio said that the medical equipment donated would be used for health facilities around Fiji.

He said that one of the programmes that Diabetes of Fiji was running was the training of nurses on foot care.

“Some of our patients buy their own syringes due to inconsistent supply from the ministry,” he said.

“So this donation is a relief for our patients, and providing the patient with syringes will relieve them from some costs.”

He said it was the first time Diabetes Fiji was working with EqualMed and he was looking forward to their future endeavour together.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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