Plastic and reconstructive surgery is incredibly powerful. It can completely change someone’s future. However, all over the Asia Pacific, millions of people with treatable conditions are living with disability and in many cases dying because they can not access or afford the care they need.
Interplast’s first program in Fiji was delivered in 1983 since then, has delivered almost 130 programs – primarily in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, in close collaboration with local partner hospitals, universities and the Ministry of Health.
Historically, efforts to develop a sustainable local plastic surgical service in Fiji were hampered by emigration of local doctors and the death of Fiji’s only qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in 2010, left the country with no local access to specialist reconstructive surgery services for a number of years. During this time, Interplast played a crucial role in providing plastic and reconstructive surgical services where they wouldn’t otherwise be accessible, while simultaneously training and supporting local personnel. This included regular visits to Suva, Lautoka and Labasa and a small number of visits to Taveuni.
Interplast provides free surgical treatment to people who otherwise couldn’t access procedures that could essentially restore their ability to function fully and give them new hope. Dr David Ying has been a part of the Interplast team for a number of years, offering his surgical expertise as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. The surgical programs usually go for one to two weeks.
