An absolutely perfect Taveuni day. Warm, but not too warm, a gentle breeze and smooth seas. Meanwhile at Taveuni hospital dozens of patients waited their turn to have cataracts removed from their second eye and new patients joined the ordered queue.
Serious work by our doctors, nurses and volunteers. But there are some fun moments. Two of our volunteers and members of the Rotary club of Taveuni, spent the afternoon fishing and managed to find enough fresh fish to feed the team for a couple of days. I can tell you – the sashimi was spectacular! It’s Friday night and even volunteers need to relax.
STORIES FROM TODAY
Litimai is from Dama village in Ra. She is not a young woman but enjoys village life. She travels into Suva twice a week to shop. Litimai relies on social welfare for support which is managed by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA). She finds the villagers support her by supplying locally grown vegetables and these, together with her ‘seniors’ government allowance, are sufficient to keep her healthy. Now with new vision her future life seems well assured.
This wonderful lady was born in the province of Bua. She now lives in Savusavu on Vanua Levu and during the time of her surgery stays with her daughter, school teacher at South Taveuni, Maya Wati. Maya is a graduate of the Fulton College in Suva. Brij Kumari was well supported by her family on this very important day and will be feeling confident of good sight in the coming weeks.
One of the most moving scenes at Taveuni Hospital is the way others help patients move around from theatre to a resting place. This little video, shown below, is an example.
And another moving video…
Bhan Mati is having her second eye attended to today. She comes from Nasarwaqa village in Bua province. She is staying with her son and daughter in law on Taveuni island so that she can easily access the hospital. She is a good Fijian and has added six daughters and four boys to the population! Her husband has an unusual occupation – he manages livestock. Sheep, goats, cattle chickens and ducks. Twenty nine grandchildren and nine great grand children. A wonderful family. I promised I would mention some of the grand children’s names so here are a few:
- Amlesh Ajnesh Ram
- Arunesh Avishek Ram
- Araav Aniketh Ram
- Akansha Anandika
- Nandani Shewani Devi
- Artisha Devi …and twenty three more…
The Rotary Club of Taveuni, in association with Rotary clubs in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, have made the eye project for Fiji their primary goal for the year. Please visit the Rotary Club of Taveuni here and Rotary International here for more information.
The Daily Report
| Daily Total | Project Total |
|---|---|
| Cataracts 27 | Cataracts 135 |
| Pterygiums 2 | Pterygiums 21 |
| Others 0 | Others 11 |
| Total Operations 29 | Total Operations 167 |