A state-of-the-art cardiac catheterisation laboratory has been commissioned in Fiji, marking a major step forward in delivering advanced, life-saving heart care to children across the Pacific.
The facility was officially opened by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva, strengthening the country’s ability to diagnose and treat complex cardiac conditions locally.
The new Cath-Lab enables earlier diagnosis, minimally invasive interventions and critical procedures that were previously difficult to access for many families in Fiji and neighbouring island nations.
In his address, President Lalabalavu described the development as a milestone for accessible and equitable healthcare, noting the facility would bring “hope closer to home” for children and families across the region.
He acknowledged the role of Madhusudan Sai and the One World One Family Global Humanitarian Mission in establishing the hospital in 2022 through private donations, including contributions from the Fijian diaspora.
The President also thanked the Fijian Government for its ongoing financial support and recognised former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama for allocating land for the hospital’s construction.
The humanitarian mission operates globally, providing free healthcare, nutrition and education services in more than 100 countries, including Fiji, India, the United States and Sri Lanka.
A key feature of the new Cath-Lab is a bi-plane imaging system, allowing clinicians to capture real-time images of the heart from two angles simultaneously. The technology improves precision during procedures, reduces operating time and lowers radiation exposure—critical factors in paediatric cardiac care.
Hospital director Krupali Tappoo said the installation significantly enhances the hospital’s capabilities, with support from international partners and local engineers ensuring the specialised infrastructure requirements were met.
Since opening, the hospital has already provided free heart surgeries to 445 children from Fiji and across the Pacific, addressing conditions such as congenital defects and valve abnormalities.
The expanded facility is expected to further increase capacity, with both paediatric and adult patients set to benefit in the coming months. Diagnostic procedures are already underway, with international specialists joining local teams to support complex interventions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Madhusudan Sai reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to free, high-quality healthcare, emphasising that no child should be denied treatment due to financial hardship.
The new laboratory positions the Suva-based hospital as an emerging centre of excellence in cardiac care for the Pacific, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel overseas for treatment.
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