Hundreds of Fijians queue before dawn for free healthcare

Fijians are arriving hours before registration opens to secure free medical treatment from an international team of 70 health professionals in Suva, with demand so high that organisers are having to turn people away once daily capacity is reached.

The team, made up of health professionals from the United States, Romania, New Zealand and Australia, is providing free medical, dental, surgical and eye services at the Civic Centre in Suva.

Shepherd’s Call Ministry Pastor Christian Bredahl, who is part of the visiting team, said some people were arriving as early as 5am, three hours before registration began at 8am.

“It is first come, first serve. When we reach our maximum, we have to cut it off because we only have so many people,” he said.

The mission has involved about $200,000 worth of medical supplies and equipment, while another $250,000 has been spent on bringing the missionaries to Fiji.

Mr Bredahl said donations from supporters around the world made it possible to bring the equipment and supplies and cover the cost of bringing volunteers to Fiji.

Promise brings mission to Fiji

For Mr Bredahl, bringing the mission to Fiji also fulfilled a promise he had made to a friend who had previously served in the country.

His friend died before the mission could take place, but Mr Bredahl decided to honour that promise.

“Before he died, he said if you ever have the opportunity to come here and work for the Fijians, they’re the most amazing people on the planet. You have to go,” he said.

Since arriving, Mr Bredahl said Fiji’s culture, community and people had made a lasting impression on the visiting team.

“You captured part of my heart. You captured a lot of my team’s heart,” he said.

He said the ministry planned to return to Fiji every year to continue providing free healthcare services.

Treatment ends years of embarrassment

For patient Luisa Bi, the mission provided an opportunity to seek treatment for a condition that had affected her confidence for years.

Ms Bi underwent surgery for a growth on her ear linked to wearing earrings.

She had previously undergone two surgeries, but the growth returned and became larger in 2022.

Ms Bi said she often covered the affected area with her hair when she went into town because she felt ashamed of what people might say.

“I’m really thankful that I usually pray and fast, asking God to help me. I thank God because God’s timing is always the best,” she said.

She said she was grateful for the friendly and respectful treatment she received and encouraged other Fijians to use the free services.

Patient sees improvement

Another patient, Oripa Kaitalea of Naitasiri, who lives in Tacirua, sought treatment for asthma and high blood pressure.

She said she noticed an improvement in her breathing after receiving treatment.

“I want to thank the doctors for their service today. We should be happy and thankful that they are from another country and have given their time to come and offer free check-ups for us,” Ms Kaitalea said.

Mr Bredahl urged people planning to attend the remaining sessions through Friday to arrive early.