Against all odds: Labasa man becomes FNU medical star

Growing up on the outskirts of Labasa, where money was tight and opportunities limited, Manish Kumar never let his family’s financial struggles dictate his future. Instead, he transformed hardship into fuel — powering his journey all the way to becoming a young doctor.

Today, the 26-year-old Fiji National University (FNU) graduate is completing his internship at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) in Suva.

His goal: not just to treat illness, but to educate and empower his community to lead healthier lives.

A Childhood Dream, a Determined Path

“I grew up in an extended family of six,” Kumar said.

“My parents, younger brother, grandmother, and aunt have always supported me — even when things were tough. Their belief in me pushed me forward.”

Kumar’s early education began at Saint Mary’s Primary School and Shri Guru Nanak Primary, before he moved on to Shri Guru Nanak Secondary School. There, he built the foundation for what would become a passionate pursuit of a career in medicine.

“I chose this field because I feel I can contribute to the medical fraternity by advocating for healthier lifestyles and the early recognition of cancers and clinical conditions,” he explained.

Excellence Through Adversity

After enrolling in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at FNU, Kumar immersed himself fully in his studies — and his commitment paid off.

In 2022, he received the Certificate of Excellence, Dean’s Honours Award, and prestigious accolades such as the ASA & NZSA Award for Highest Academic Achievement in Anaesthesia and the RANZCOG Women’s Health Award.

“College was fun but challenging,” he recalled. “We started out uncertain, especially during COVID-19. We cried, we laughed, and we lived through those years. Every minute was worth it.”

For Kumar, FNU was more than a university. It was a turning point.

“FNU gave me everything — the skills, the confidence, and the practical training to step into the workforce. I would encourage every aspiring student to seriously consider FNU for their academic journey.”

Internship with Impact

Now interning at CWM Hospital, Kumar is using his medical training to serve real patients — and real needs. But his mission extends beyond the hospital walls.

“I’ve always believed that good health is a fundamental right,” he said. “My internship has deepened that belief. It’s made me more committed than ever to promoting health education and awareness, especially at the community level.”

Kumar plans to pursue further studies in a medical specialty — not for prestige, but to better equip himself to give back.

“Education is a powerful tool,” he said. “I want to use it to effect lasting change and help build a healthier Fiji.”

A Message for the Next Generation

Kumar knows what it’s like to begin with little — and still dream big. That’s why he offers this advice to students walking a similar path:

“Be enthusiastic. Be passionate. Stay motivated. These qualities will determine your future. Don't let your circumstances define you.”

Looking back, he credits much of his success to the people who supported him — both in Labasa and in Suva, where extended family looked after him during six long years away from home.

“I am deeply grateful for the transformative experience I’ve had at FNU,” he said. “It helped me grow as a person, meet people from all walks of life, and step out of my comfort zone.”

From the sugarcane-lined edges of Labasa to the wards of CWM Hospital, Manish Kumar is proving that with grit, guidance, and purpose, even the most modest beginnings can lead to a life of service and impact.