Staff Reporter –
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has commended the efforts of the International Women’s Association in assisting women and children as part of their charitable projects in Fiji.
The Fijian Head of State was speaking at a function on July 30 in Suva to mark the opening of the refurbished IWA Lau Women’s Ward at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).
“IWA is a non-profit charitable organisation with members from overseas and Fiji dedicated to promoting and assisting in the physical, social and educational welfare of the disadvantaged women and children in Fiji. The Association has achieved so much in such a short time which is commendable,” Ratu Epeli said.
Improved facilities
The IWA Lau Women’s ward has 18 beds and features new equipment such as an ECG machine, cardiac defibrillator, wheelchairs, weight scales and emergency trolley with renovations of ceiling and windows and new furniture all worth over $100,000.
Ratu Epeli said that the Association had worked hard to raised funds and that the concerted efforts of its members will benefit the people of Fiji.
“The Lau Women’s Ward was in dire need of an upgrade and in need of medical equipment. IWA has spent more than $400,000 in the past three years supporting various health initiatives within the CWMH,” he said.
In 2013, a substantial amount was donated for the transformation of the former Oxfam clinic now a Wellness Centre at CWMH. In 2014, a series of donations were directed towards local sustainability in education initiatives with 19 outreach packages aimed at reaching the poorer communities of the country.
This empowered health care workers with the necessary equipment to facilitate their jobs and to strengthen their contraception reach and cervical cancer screening.
Additional funds
The Association mobilised additional donations of $10,000 to furnish procedure room at the Paediatric Oncology Unit, $5000 for the Fiji Blind Society, $10,000 to the Rama Krishna Mission towards their telemedicine and $35,000 for the Hilton organisation for their new audiology unit to facilitate tests for auditory brain step which was a first for Fiji.
IWA President Bubby Mohan said that the organisation was proud to be involved in projects that promoted health and education in Fiji.
“We are already in discussion for providing assistance to the Accident and Emergency Department of CWM. IWA will be providing trauma kits with equipment that is valued at $40,000,” she said.
IWA has more than 100 members consisting of 27 different nationalities which focus on women and children empowerment and projects in areas of health and education.
Photo Caption:
Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau with IWA President Bubby Mohan and others at the new Ward at Colonial Memorial Hospital on July 30.
