In a world of challenges, from economic hardships to health crises, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the negativity that surrounds us. This is why we need a refreshing jolt sometimes to remind us about positive things around us!
With the fight against drugs, rising cost of living, and major challenges in our water, education and healthcare systems, it sometimes feels as though the weight of the world is pressing down on us.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, there are moments that serve as powerful reminders of the good that still exists, of the progress made, and of the hope that we can hold onto. These positive stories are important for our well-being. They help to restore balance and order in our lives.
Yes, we are faced with challenges. Yes we have our work cut out on many fronts.
We have water cuts to contend with for starters.
We could talk about non-communicable diseases and the impact on our nation, and how that ranks quite high in terms of deaths of Fijians.
Yet, there are also moments that serve as inspiration for many people.
A total of 332 heart surgical procedures have been conducted at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva so far. That’s according to finance officer Shabnam Ali.
Speaking during the hospital’s Gift of Life ceremony where five-year-old Kavish Singh and seven-year-old Jr Fanagalo from the Solomon Islands were given certificates after successful heart surgeries, Ms Ali said it was the hospital’s 18th surgical mission.
Lots of medical personnel from across the world, she revealed, “give up their precious time to join us in this mission, they give up their time to come and help out”.
When a child has a heart problem, it can be daunting, and an emotionally stressful experience for parents.
Joana Kiva commended the medical team for their tireless efforts in treating her son, Jr Fanagalo who began developing heart problems when he was two months old.
He was not able to breathe but he was a strong boy, she said.
They arrived in Fiji on October 31 and Jr underwent surgery on November 5.
They return to the Solomon Islands at the end of this month.
Lautoka Aspen Medical Hospital paediatric cardiologist Dr James Auto said operation costs would cost families a lot if they were done at metropolitan centres
He spoke highly about the technical ability of surgeons who operated on the children.
European Union ambassador to the pacific Barbara Plinkert said the successful surgical procedures gave a new lease of life to the children and she acknowledged the contribution of European doctors.
As we navigate the complexities of our nation’s struggles, such stories should serve as inspiration. They remind us that no matter how difficult the road may be, there is always light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
In the face of all our worries, we must celebrate these positives and find hope in them! They give us a semblance of order!
