For most Fiji citizens without an arm or a leg, having a prosthetic limb fitted was out of reach due to high costs and lack of resources in the country.
Not anymore. Individuals can now receive the gift of greater mobility due to improvements in artificial limb facilities and processes.
Recently more than 300 patients received new limbs and enhanced mobility thanks to medical professionals at the Tamavua Hospital Rehabiliation Unit and community partners.
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As part of its humanitarian initiatives in Fiji, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supported this effort by donating to the hospital a specialized oven used in the artificial limb production process.
On behalf of Fiji’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Metuisela Tuicakau accepted the gift from Church Welfare Services representative Jackson Yee at a ceremony last week in Suva.
Using new facilities and technologies, limbs can now be fitted much faster and less expensive than before. Previously the hospital could help five or six people each month, costing up to $5,000USD for each prosthesis. Now, over 300 patients can be assisted in a month — for under 1-2% of the previous cost.
Patients can enter the hospital, get measured and fitted with a prosthesis, and walk out of the hospital four hours later.
Paul Whippy, manager of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Fiji Service Centre, told the Fiji Sun: “We’re committed to improving the lives of physically challenged individuals in society.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also supports wheelchair distribution initiatives worldwide.