FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May (second from right), with Deputy British High Commissioner, Paul Welsh (far left), Sai Prema Foundation Medical Director, Dr Krupali Tappoo and Colgate-Palmolive Fiji General Manager, Hiten Lal.

The Fiji National University (FNU) officiated at the opening ceremony of the Sai Prema Foundation’s Sanjeevani Dental Centre through a partnership to foster cooperation, understanding and strategic alliance.

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May was Chief Guest at the event and said the centre’s opening was a moment of pride for both the Foundation and the national University.

“In January last year, the Sai Prema Foundation and FNU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and through this partnership, our College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS) dental faculty and trainee dental students are to provide high-quality dental treatment and oral health services to the children of Fiji completely free of cost,” Dr May highlighted.

“This will be possible from today as we commemorate the opening of the Dental Centre, which enables us both to provide services to the community as well as encourage and promote an exchange of ideas, expertise and knowledge in terms of oral health and medical services.”

“I am also pleased to note that the Sai Prema Foundation’s development in healthcare has been deeply significant for our nation on many fronts as not only have they established the South Pacific’s first Children’s Heart Hospital in addition to their Children’s Heart Screening Centre and Medical Centre; but they are also providing all surgeries, treatments and consultations completely free of cost.”

Dr May stated that as the national institution, it was fitting that FNU collaborated with such organisations as it aligned with the University’s strategic objectives of providing students with an enriching learning experience, as dental students will gain experience and exposure to clinical scenarios outside of their usual learning environment.

Sai Prema Foundation Medical Director, Dr Krupali Tappoo said the opening also commemorated the Foundation’s sixth year of operations in the country.

“In a short span of six years, we are very happy to now offer dental services for our children at our medical centre,” Dr Tappoo said.

“Oral health is paramount in a child’s development, and our children’s dental centre aims to provide quality oral health care in terms of oral health education, oral examination, tooth extractions, conservative treatment and also tooth brushing drills for small children.”

“We are proud to open this dental facility in conjunction with Colgate-Palmolive Fiji and Fiji National University. Whilst the Foundation will be responsible for the running of the dental centre, FNU will provide staffing at the centre.  All services will be provided free of cost.”