THE Fiji Heart Foundation will look after the operation of the Cath Lab at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and organize fundraising and programs that will ensure the sustainability of the lab in the country.
Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma said it was important to have the Foundation up and running again.
“In the long run we would eventually want to extend the same service to Lautoka and have a specialized heart hospital in five years time,” Dr Sharma said as he explained in detail the thinking behind the revival of the Heart Foundation.
Suva based businessman Ajay Amrit has been asked to head the steering committee, which is going to also include reps from the Ministry of Health.
The ministry has earmarked February 5 to be the date for the first meeting, with all those interested to be part of the committee invited to attend the first consultation meeting.
Health Media Liaison Officer Iliesa Tora said the ministry has already advertised for expression of interest from those who want to join the foundation and help in its work.
“We are hoping to attract good intentions because this is for a worthy cause,” Mr Tora said.
Mr Tora said Cabinet has already approved the new fees structure to be adopted in the Catherisation Laboratory (Cath Lab).
The fees structure is as following: Insured patients - $3000.00; Uninsured patients earning above $15,000 per annum (Tax Threshold) - $1500.00; Patients earning below $15,000 or unemployed - $500.00
The Ministry of Health is hoping to get the Foundation back “on its two feet” very soon.
“There is urgency on this issue and we would want to ensure that everything is up and running again pretty soon,” Mr Tora added.
The Cath Lab will also work with insurance companies who might want to use the service there as part of their insurance cover for clients.
“We will be open to negotiation on the issue,” Mr Tora said.