PRIME MINISTER JOSAIA VOREQE BAINIMARAMA LAUNCHED THE JAIPUR FITMENT CAMP PROJECT AT THE TWOMEY HOSPITAL IN SUVA THIS MORNING – (03/11/2022)

The Prime Minister whilst delivering his official remarks, stated that the life-changing initiative will benefit six hundred (600) Fijians living with an amputation as they get specially fitted with custom prosthesis.

"I am told that 636 amputees will benefit from this project - a remarkable number. This includes 164 above knee amputees; 447 below knee amputees; 15 below elbow; and 10 bilateral lower limb amputees," the Prime Minister stated.

"For these patients, life is about to change dramatically. A professionally fitted prosthetic can boost feelings of self-esteem, self-worth, and dignity; provide hope for a brighter future; counter feelings of depression and raise the standard of living for people living with a disability."

The Project which is aligned with Fiji's Disability Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Action Plan is built on the Fijian Government's commitment of leaving no one behind.

Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted that with the launch of this project, it will enable people living with disability to regain much of their independence and will enable them to be more productive within their homes and communities, and also allow many to return to work to earn a living for their families and contribute to the Fijian economy.

High Commissioner of India to Fiji, His Excellency Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan, stated that Fiji and India share close and cordial relations built on mutual respect, trust and cooperation going back to the 19th century.

His Excellency Karthigeyan further stated "Our cooperation in the Fijian health care sector has advanced and continue to grow with the Government of India spearheading its support through the supply of COVID-19 vaccines which played a key role in the successful national vaccination program. Moreso, the prosthetic limbs provided by Jaipur is a world-class product and has transformed millions of people across the world. The Government of India is glad that we are able to contribute in radically transforming the health care sector here in Fiji and we stand ready to continue to build a more prosperous Fiji".