World-Renowned Heart Surgeon Leads Free Life-Saving Surgeries for Children in Fiji

Suva, Fiji — Children in Fiji are receiving free, life-saving open-heart surgeries thanks to a highly specialised 19-member international medical team currently operating at the Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital in Suva.

The team is led by Professor Afksendiyos Kalangos, a world-renowned paediatric heart surgeon from Europe, working alongside top doctors from India and intensive care nurses from Australia.

Professor Kalangos is recognised globally for his medical innovations, including the invention of the biodegradable annuloplasty ring used in heart valve repairs, especially for children.

Through his Kalangos Foundation, he has performed over 17,000 free heart surgeries for children in more than 20 countries since 1998. He is also the Founder and President of the Global Forum on Humanitarian Medicine in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, and has received multiple international honours, including the Order of Sretenje from Serbia for outstanding humanitarian work.

Hospital Director, Dr. Krupali Tappoo, expressed deep appreciation for the visiting team, saying:

“We are incredibly grateful to Prof. Kalangos and his team for selflessly dedicating their time to come to Fiji and operate on our children. Fiji is truly fortunate to host such a skilled and experienced team of medical professionals. Their presence will save the lives of many children who otherwise would not have access to treatment.”

Professor Kalangos said it was an honour to serve in Fiji:

“It is an honour to be here in Fiji and serve these children who deserve the chance to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The spirit of love and service at Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital is inspiring, and together we can give hope to families across Fiji and the Pacific.”

Since opening in April 2022, the Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital has already saved the lives of 394 children and carried out over 37,000 echocardiograms, all provided free of charge.

These successes have been made possible through the continued support of visiting medical teams from the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and India.