Ten years from now when robotics surgery becomes the norm, the Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Heart Hospital in Nasese will be ready for robotics surgery.

This was stated by Sai Prema Foundation director, Sumeet Tappoo.

He said the foundation’s plan was not just for treatment but for long term which was why they have built a state of the art specialist facility.

Mr Tappoo said they had made enough plans not only to build a hospital, but to prepare themselves for the future in robotics surgery. The hospital was initially plaAnned to open in April this year, but due to COVID-19, construction work was affected.

However, Mr Tappoo said the hospital will be opened by the Prime Minister in a few months’ time.

He also mentioned that people have questioned him as to why he was in such a rush to build the hospital.

His response to them was: “If it was your child would you wait one day?”

He said 60 children are currently waiting to receive surgery, 15 of whom were in critical condition.

The $25 million hospital is a first for the South Pacific and is the largest project ever undertaken by such Non-Governmental Organisation in Fiji.

It boasts the latest Cath Lab technology, specialist paediatric,  cardiac operation theatre, medical gas system, multi-dimensional chilled-water Air-conditioning and Fresh Air System, specialist cardiac equipment, Intensive Care Unit recovery systems, digital X-Ray technology with fully lead-lined rooms, fully functional isolation unit, hospital grade kitchen and cooking facilities, modern laundry facility and hospital grade fixtures and fittings.

A Memorandum of Agreement will be formalised soon to solidify the partnership between the Government and the Sai Prema Foundation.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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