Local prominent doctor laid to rest

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Family members of Dr Bakani at his burial site at Arovudi Village on Ovalau. Picture: VILIAME ODROVAKAVULA

Arovudi Village on Ovalau came to a standstill on Monday as hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to Fiji’s first cardiologist and long-time medical practitioner Dr Isoa Bakani.

As the Tui Tomuna, the traditional chief of the Arovudi people, women sat along the road close to the village on Sunday night to receive their chief for the last time.

The body of Dr Bakani rested for the night before he was accorded his last funerary rites at their family burial ground.

Naomi Bakani Waqa, his daughter, described Dr Bakani as a family man who was dedicated to his family members. Ms Waqa said her father shared the same passion for his work and family.

The late Dr Isoa Bakani in front of his office in Suva. Picture: File/ JONACANI LALAKOBAU

Meanwhile, describing Dr Bakani, his close friend and fellow practitioner, Dr Tukaha Mua said Dr Bakani was always straight forward when it came to disciplining students under his tutelage.

“He meant business and this is a well-known fact with those that came under his time at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

“His contributions to the medical field in Fiji, especially in the area of cardiology, is his legacy and something he will be remembered for.”

Dr Bakani was born in Navaga Village, Koro in Lomaiviti in 1931 and attended Sawaieke District School before moving to Queen Victoria School and then to Buffalo University in the United States of America where he studied medicine.

He died at the age of 89 and is survived by 2 children, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

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