The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) has received mobility devices and medical appliances worth $1.1 million for dissemination to disabled people in need.

This was made possible through their association’s partnership with Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation, Spinal Injuries Association and Physio Net in the United Kingdom (UK).

Spinal Injuries Association executive director Joshko Wakaniyasi said: “The assistance will enhance the mobility and improve the services provided to disabled people particularly in the rural areas where the equipment will be distributed.”

He said it gives them confidence to be themselves.

He said they were happy to give any support they needed.

“Together we can ensure that we can elevate the lives of those who need to be elevated,” he said.

British High Commission, head of political affairs and communication Vineeta Nand said the assistance was to change the lives of people with disability in Fiji.

She said the Physio Net in UK had been a great supporter of Fiji’s SIA for over last eight years, delivering containers consisting of consignments to Fiji through SIA.

Vodafone Fiji acting chief executive officer, Ronald Prasad said they were grateful to receive another shipment of mobility devices from Physio Net UK.

He said this was the 14th Physio Net consignment that has been funded by the foundation.

“These mobility devices will make a significant difference to the quality of lives for many Fijians,” Mr Prasad said.

The latest 40 foot container from Physio Net UK has mobility and medical appliances and includes wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames, commodes, blankets, reading glasses, machines and assorted medical consumables.

Physio Net UK is a charity organisation based in Yorkshire, England, that was set up in 2005 to provide physiotherapy equipment to disabled people in developing countries around the world.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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