Around 650 amputees across Fiji are expected to receive prosthetic limbs through the Jaipur Foot Camp, an initiative aimed at restoring mobility and independence.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta highlighted this during the camp’s official inauguration yesterday, attended by Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Antonio Lalabalavu.
Mr Mehta said the programme, which began on October 6, would benefit amputees in Suva, Labasa and Nadi, with some beneficiaries already receiving artificial limbs.
He said the initiative was more than a medical intervention, offering recipients opportunities to return to work, participate in community activities and regain confidence.
The programme is being delivered through cooperation between India’s Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Fiji’s Ministry of Health and medical professionals.
Mr Mehta said the partnership had a long history, with around 300 amputees receiving artificial limbs during the first camp in 2011.
Another 629 limbs were fitted during the 2022 programme.
He said the latest camp followed an agreement reached during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to India in August last year.
Mr Mehta also highlighted broader healthcare cooperation, including India’s planned 100-bed Super-Speciality Hospital in Suva and support through antiretroviral medicines, vaccines and medical supplies.
He said work was progressing on providing dialysis machines, a sea ambulance and establishing Jan Aushadhi Kendras to improve access to affordable generic medicines.
Mr Mehta reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening practical cooperation with Fiji, particularly initiatives that directly improve people’s lives.
