Locally Made: Fiji Celebrates a Monumental Leap in Women’s Health with First Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
By Dr Temalesi Windust
Photo credit: The Fiji Times
When we say “it takes a village”, in Fiji it truly takes the whole village to make a difference. Under the continuous theme “Locally Made”, a landmark milestone in women’s health has been achieved: the successful completion of Fiji’s first Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) at Aspen Medical Hospital, marking the beginning of a new era for minimally invasive surgery in the country.
This achievement is part of a 10-year project dedicated to strengthening local health systems through empowerment, skill transfer, and collegiality. The introduction of minimally invasive endoscopic surgery brings proven benefits—quicker recovery, reduced complications, and improved health outcomes—for women across Fiji.
A Journey Born Over Tea, Realised in Theatre
What began as lighthearted discussions among three Fiji-born, Fiji-trained women’s health specialists—Dr Vasitia Cati, Dr Tema Windust, and Dr Nanise Sikiti—over a cup of tea has grown into a formally established national service. Their shared vision: to create a sustainable, Fiji-led laparoscopy service that enhances care for women locally.
The initiative took strategic shape with the first two-day Introduction to Laparoscopy Workshop in August 2024, followed by structured three-monthly visits by a visiting team. These visits pair international specialists one-on-one with local surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, and theatre staff—ensuring skills are transferred and the service becomes fully locally owned.
A Collective Effort
This milestone could not have been achieved without the support and collaboration of key organisations and individuals:
Ministry of Health, Fiji – Minister for Health, Permanent Secretary and team
Aspen Medical Fiji – Leadership of Dr Rigamoto Taito, Dr Mara Vukivukiseru, Aspen Board of Directors, and the dedicated O&G, anaesthesia, and OT teams
FNU Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences – including Dr Fatiaki, Dr Litia Narube, and Dr Kelera Bavadra
Professional partners – RANZCOG (Dr Nisha Khot, President Elect), AGES (Dr Michael Flynn, President), AFEG/OPHA teams, and visiting medical specialists
Industry partners and donors – Karl Storz, Olympus, Medtronics, IWA, Femcare, Applied Medical, Fiji Fashion Week, Thompson family, and many others who have contributed equipment, funds, and expertise
Special thanks also go to the visiting surgeons, nurses, allied health professionals, and equipment representatives who generously contributed time, skills, and resources.
Local team at Aspen Medical: General Manager Dr Rigamoto Taito, Dr Mara Vukivukiseru, Aspen Board of directors, HOD-Dr Vasitia Cati, Consultants Dr Nanise Sikiti, Dr Sailosi Ratumaitavuki, Dr Byron Fatiaki, Dr Josephine P, Dr Taini Ravasua, Dr Bev Ming, Dr Prehna Prakash, registrars, interns and O&G department
Operating theatre team @aspen: OT nursing manager Sister Losena, Sister Lewa, Sister Rubo, S/N Mere, S/N Nina and the OT team
Anaesthetic team at aspen: HOD anaesthesia Dr Lisepa and your team for your on going support
FNU-Dr Fatiaki, Dr Litia Narube, Dr Kelera Bavadra
Ministry of health-Minister for health, PS and team
RANZCOG president elect-Dr Nisha Khot & AGES president-Dr Michael Flynn
Visiting medical specialists team that have made immense contributions with their time, money, advice, support and expertise: Prof Vivien Wong, Dr Louise White, Dr Madeleine Horner, Dr Anna Nicholson, Dr Magda Halt, Dr Rowena Grice, Dr Tanu Rao, Dr Talat Upal, Dr Colin Weatherill, Dr Graeme Walker, Dr Roy Watson, Dr Kirsten Black, Dr Rebecca Mitchell, Dr Luke Cambell, Dr Elizabeth Johnson, Dr Aggie Thelm, Dr Seb Thomas, Dr Lana
Nursing OT visiting team: Atelaite Waqabaca, Vunirewa Uluilakeba, Andrea-Jones Price, Sashikala Shrestha
Allied and equipment reps: Craig Wilton, Brenton Sutton, Caroline Wilkins.
Looking Ahead
“This is just the beginning of revolutionising women’s health in Fiji,” said Dr Windust on behalf of the AFEG/OPHA extended group. “We are beyond excited to see the next phases roll out, as more local specialists are empowered to lead this service for our women, our communities, and our nation.”
The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural connection, and the enduring belief that locally made solutions are the strongest solutions.
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About OPHA/AFEG:
The Oceania Pacific Health Association (OPHA) and the Australia/NZ–Fiji Endoscopic Gynaecology Group (AFEG) are committed to strengthening health services across the Pacific through bilateral partnerships, skills exchange, and sustainable, locally led capacity building.
