New Kidney Dialysis Centre Foundation laid
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Vinod Kumar laid the foundation for Fiji’s new kidney dialysis centre at Extension Street, opposite the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital’s Accident and Emergency entrance today .
Kidney Foundation of Fiji president Mr Dewan Chand Maharaj told those present at the function the assistance of US$100,000 by the Indian Government prompted them to begin fundraising for the new building and to start looking for a piece of land in Suva.
“About six weeks ago I sighted this piece of land and God is always great he gave me this land and we bought it. It has been a long journey for us. The assistance by the Government of India through its generous donation started our fundraising. It has given us life,” Mr Maharaj said.
Two lots of land, next to each other on Extension Street in Suva were purchased
“We bought one lot for $220,000 and the next one for $280, 000,” Mr Maharaj said.
“Other donations included US$3,000 by Vodafone Fiji, US$100,000 from an American citizen who sent his donation through Fiji’s Embassy in Washington, donation by Westpac Bank and also donation from US famous actor Mel Gibson.”
Mr Maharaj thanked the assistance of the Department of Town and Country Planning and the Government for their generous assistance.
“Let me reiterate the Prime Minister’s wish for everyone to move forward together which I believe is possible, and this is your centre and I need your support.” the Kidney Foundation president said.
The Indian High Commissioner Mr Vinod Kumar said he was honored on behalf of his Government to be laying the foundation of the new Kidney Foundation of Fiji Dialysis Centre.
“We are proud to be part of this ceremony, I think it is wise for the Kidney Foundation to have a separate building and provide treatment facilities here for Kidney patients at a very low cost,” Mr Kumar said.
The Kidney Dialysis Centre, which is run by the Rotary Club, a non profit organization is charging patients less than the rate charged in Australia.
“We have been working together with the Government of Fiji and institutions here in the spirit of cooperation, and the main strength of the cooperation is the assistance given to the health sector and to see that this centre which started a few years back is able to provide the services not only to the people of Fiji but also to other developing countries in the Pacific,” Mr Kumar said.
While conveying his well wishes Mr Kumar said he hoped the centre would continue to grow and become the source of good health for kidney patients in Fiji and the Pacific.
Fundraising for the new centre began way back in 2008 when the Prime Minister officially launched donations with $25,000.
The Kidney Foundation centre is situated at the old CWM Hospital and the construction of a new building for a new centre augurs well with Pillar 10 of the Peoples Charter for Change and Progress,which is to improve health service delivery Fiji.
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