The Australian Sai Medical Unit has been involved in organising and participating in camps in Fiji since 2007, usually on an annual basis. The camps cater for people in areas where medical care is not readily accessible or affordable. They provide a range of general and specialist medical and other health related consultations and treatments including operations as well as health education sessions to groups of those presenting for consultations. All this service is conducted by volunteers at no cost to the recipients.
This camp had 88 health professionals attend from Australia, NZ, USA, and Singapore. Including general and administrative volunteers, 120 members attended the camp. Some of the services offered included GP and specialist consultations and treatments, a range of health-related assessments, for example, Blood Sugar levels, renal and liver function tests, echocardiograms for investigation of heart conditions. Eye and dental care were also covered. Mental health issues were seen to by psychiatric and counselling services. Various clinics were provided including stress, eye, and gynecological clinics. Dietician and rehabilitation services were also provided. In total, 2530 people were seen over the 6 days resulting in over 7000 consultations. Minor surgery was performed at the camp site, while major surgeries were performed in hospital settings.
As always during camps, teaching of medical students continued at camp sites. There were some lectures/ presentations to medical students at the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine & Health Sciences as well. Collaboration with the local medical team was paramount in continuing patient care once the camp was over. Reports were written to their GP’s/Specialist advised of the care given and management plan.
The next combined Australia and NZ camps is planned for July –August 2024.