In a first for the Fiji National University (FNU), staff and students can now receive free medical consultations and medication at Sanjeevani Medical Centre located in Nasese, Suva.

This access to free healthcare is part of FNU and Sai Prema Foundation Fiji’s (SPF) partnership to broaden the scope and horizon of serving and making a difference in the lives of the Fijians.

While signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson commended SPF for embarking on this journey with the University.

While acknowledging SPF’s vision and commitment Professor Wilkinson said the partnership ties in well with the University’s new Strategic Plan 2021-2026 which promotes closer community engagement, increasing opportunities to undertake social corporate responsibility initiatives and enhancing student/staff experiences and values through volunteerism.

“The Fiji National University caters to Fiji’s and the Pacific’s human resource needs by delivering the highest quality and standard of teaching and training at all its campuses. FNU produces graduates who are creative, innovative and have the necessary attributes for life, work and citizenship in Fiji, the Pacific and globally,” stated VC Wilkinson.

“We live in demanding times and this has a profound impact on our student’s health, both physical and mental. As a university, we are not only responsible for empowering our students to reach their academic potential but also for providing the necessary support to guarantee their wellbeing.”

Professor Wilkinson highlighted that recently, the University has undertaken to play a more positive and visible role in community activities.

“This MoU will also provide FNU the opportunity to respond to national and community needs through supporting hospitals and medical facilities by conducting joint regular Blood Collection Drives at FNU Campuses and promoting the spirit of ‘volunteerism’ among students encouraging them to participate in events focused on serving the underprivileged and need communities in Fiji,” he said.

SPF Director Sumeet Tappoo.

SPF Director Sumeet Tappoo said the two organisations will also embark on initiatives such as advocating for wellness and positivity together with blood collection drives when the health restrictions ease.

“We are also very excited about what the future entails from this collaborative partnership signing – the range, breadth and depth of what we can achieve together is limitless and this will result in positive outcomes for our nation,” said Tappoo.

“The opportunities lie not only in leveraging off each other’s strengths to bring greater empowerment among our youth through workshops in healthcare and human values as well as through the opportunities for the students to serve the community through community service platforms offered by the Foundation; but also with what we can achieve together in medical training and research in the times to come,” he added.

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