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Kidney Foundation of Fiji founder Dewan Maharaj, left, shows Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma, third from left, and Indian High Commissioner Vinod Kumar, the new kidney dialysis centre during its opening in Suva on Wednesday. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU

THE Kidney Foundation of Fiji is in a better position to serve more patients following the opening of a dialysis centre in Suva.

The KFOF Dialysis Centre is also more appropriately equipped, has comfortable settings for patients and has the Colonial War Memorial Hospital to free up much needed space which is to be developed.

These were the sentiments of Minister of Health, Dr Neil Sharma during the opening of the centre located at Extension Street in Suva.

Dr Sharma said, "As you know a western kidney dialysis centre was opened just over two weeks ago and that now we have the facilities at two of our sites. We are also prospecting the possibility of another dialysis unit in the north."

He said the government encouraged public/private partnership for which the Suva dialysis centre was a good example.

"That's the responsibility of everyone. It's not only the responsibility of the government.

"We must impress upon the community that this centre was spearheaded by members of the public," said Dr Sharma.

KFOF president, Dewan Chand Maharaj said it had been a long journey for him, the KFOF board and KFOF supporters and was delighted their dream had come to life.

"We are here now with our new KFOF Dialysis Centre eight years from when we first started meeting to find a way to cater for those suffering from end stage kidney disease," he said.

Indian High Commissioner Vinod Kumar, who was the chief guest at the opening, said the Kidney Foundation of Fiji made remarkable progress and congratulated them.

"I'm quite happy with the support of Fiji's Ministry of Health, the support of the kind donors and the support of the people of Fiji," he said.

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