New Labasa gym born from doctor’s health battle

After surviving a heart attack and spending six months recovering without pay, a Labasa doctor has invested $250,000 to open a modern gym aimed at helping others fight lifestyle diseases and rebuild their lives.

FITI Gym, established by Dr Viliame Matatolu and his wife, Labasa Hospital anaesthetist Finau Matatolu, was officially opened today at the Vakamasisuasua Industrial Subdivision by Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.

Speaking at the opening, Dr Lalabalavu praised the initiative as a major step towards preventive healthcare in the North.

“This facility is a testament to the belief that the best medicine is often a lifestyle of consistent, joyful movement,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

“It is a move beyond the four walls of the clinic and into the heart of preventive medicine.”

He congratulated Dr Matatolu, saying it was a proud moment to witness a fellow medical professional giving back to the community.

Dr Matatolu said the idea for the gym was born after he suffered a heart attack in 2016, forcing him to take six months of unpaid leave while recovering under a strict fitness and exercise programme.

Because Labasa lacked a proper gym at the time, he decided to invest in the facility not only for himself, but for others wanting to improve their health and wellbeing.

“This business is also built in memory of my late brother,” Dr Matatolu said with tears in his eyes.

“I thank God for giving me new life so that I can live to help others in the hospital and also through this business in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by providing an enabling environment to bring about fitness.”

He said the gym represented more than just a business venture.

“This is not just a gym; it is a place of necessity where you could fight for your life,” he said.

“A place for people who are broken, tired and trying to heal and I want to say you can rise again.

“Also, it’s a place for young people battling drugs, I want to say you are not finished.”

The gym will become fully operational from May 18 and will employ three staff members.

Dr Lalabalavu also highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Fiji, saying healthcare workers continued to witness the devastating impact of unhealthy lifestyles.

“We see the toll that sedentary lifestyles and NCDs take on our families,” he said.

Referring to the Fiji STEPS Survey Report launched earlier this year, Dr Lalabalavu said the findings reflected urgent health concerns facing the country.

“NCDs continue to account for the vast majority of premature deaths in Fiji,” he said.

“The report shows that over two-thirds of adults in Fiji are either overweight or obese — 68.2 per cent — with nearly 40 per cent classified as obese, having disproportionately higher rates among women.”

He said the growing rates of obesity continued to place pressure on individuals, families and Fiji’s healthcare system.