RAMAKRISHNA Mission Fiji representative Swami Bhadreshananda says the relaunched Sarada Medical Centre has treated more than 120,000 patients and will assist more disadvantaged members of the community through its revamped services.
The health partnership is a collaborative effort between the Ramakrishna Mission Fiji and the South Pacific Relief Fund.
The existing Sarada Medical Centre is located on the ground floor of the mission’s universal meditation centre at Malolo, Nadi.
“So, we work on the principle that prevention is better than cure, if you’re able to identify the diabetic conditions, the hypertensive conditions, the cholesterol conditions of patients, and make them alert before it goes out of hand,” he said.
“We will be able to avoid all this dialysis and further deterioration of medical conditions.”
Officiating at the event, Finance Minister Biman Prasad said with the support from the South Pacific Relief Fund Inc, one doctor, a nurse, and a GOPD unit would be added to the centre’s existing facilities.
Mr Prasad said this would add capacity to offer free medical service to many patients.
“The Ramakrishna Mission commenced providing health services in 2012 through the health centre, Sarada Medical Centre, located here in Malolo, and it served more than 100,000 patients,” he said.
“This new partnership, no doubt, will strengthen Ramakrishna Mission’s philosophy of service to humanity, but will also provide high-quality medical relief to our people who’ve had access to it.”
South Pacific Relief Fund Inc CEO Daven Kumar said the outpatient clinic was a promise to bring much-needed healthcare access to underprivileged families.
“Today, we are building not only a clinic, but a foundation of hope for families of Fiji.
“This partnership is a true example of what can be achieved when faith services and the community come together with a common purpose, South Pacific Relief Fund,” he said.
“Swami Ji and his team are tirelessly working behind the scenes, giving us a platform to come out here and partner and to support and provide the best healthcare system they have already established years ago.”
Mr Kumar said, despite poor funding temporarily impacting the operation at the centre, the new partnership would provide a renewed sense of hope.
South Pacific Relief Fund chief executive officer Daven Kumar, left, and Ramakrishna Mission Fiji representative Swami Bhadreshananda. Picture: SALOTE QALUBAU
South Pacific Relief Fund Inc chief executive officer Daven Kumar, third from left, Finance Minister Biman Prasad, Nadi Hospital senior divisional medical officer Dr Amos Zibran and Ramakrishna Mission Fiji representative Swami Bhadreshananda during the launch of the health partnership on October 6. Picture: SALOTE QALUBAU
