The opening of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital at Nasese, Suva, is a cause for celebration.

The $25 million state-of-the-art facility is not only a pride of our nation.

It is likely to become the most important Paediatric Cardiac Centre for the region.

Outside of Australia and New Zealand, it is the first of its kind in the South Pacific.

It will treat and conduct life-saving operations on children born with congenital heart disease (CHD) free of charge.

Today, we pay tribute to all those who have given their time, wealth, and resources in bringing to fruition a dream, a plan to save young lives by making these surgeries accessible here at no cost.

Before, CHD sufferers had to travel overseas, if their parents could afford it, to get treated.

Children from low socio-economic backgrounds usually missed out.

Now, no one will miss out or be left behind.

It was therefore appropriate that the person who used the slogan “no one is left behind” as his mantra, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, performed the honours of opening the new hospital.

Mr Bainimarama started this journey with his support for the land, which the hospital is built on.

The Tappoo family, Sai Prema Foundation, medical specialists and a host of philanthropic here and aboard joined hands with Government to bring this project to reality.

The collaborative efforts between the Government, private sector, public, charitable groups, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) helped to make the journey a success.

Mr Bainimarama would no doubt be relishing this moment because of his love and passion for children.

He has a soft spot for them, which is well known.

It has influenced his leadership and Government’s social and economic policies.

The assistance for mothers of new-born babies, family care leave, pre-school and free education is designed that no child is left behind.

This new hospital is part of that narrative.

A life saved is an asset for this nation.

Children who will be treated at the hospital will grow up and one day can take up leadership roles and run the country.

This is the long-term benefit that underscores the importance of the service the hospital will provide.

The hospital is also a focal point for medical research.

Recently, Sai Prema Foundation and the University of Fiji signed a memorandum of understanding.

It also stands as a symbol of our commitment to address our medical and health concerns.

It is a wonderful blessing because it offers our people hope for a better life and future.

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