The Sri Sathya Sai global council’s medical outreach programs were a success, bringing essential health services directly to villages in Samoa for the first time. 

The free clinics provided general health check-ups and care for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Specialists were also on hand to examine children. Most health needs were covered, except for eye and dental care. Patients received full-body assessments, blood tests for diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney function, as well as ECGs. Medications, mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, and specialist advice were all provided free of charge.

The outreach team consisted of 22 volunteers from New Zealand and Australia, including six doctors, three nurses, administrative staff, and other helpers, working alongside local doctors like Dr Lam and village residents.

The first outreach clinic of the program began at Matautu Falelatai on 5 March and 319 patients were checked, including children and adults. The second outreach clinic was held on Friday in Vaiee, Safata and 400 patients were examined. The final clinic was held at Falefa on Saturday.

The clinics operated with their own equipment and a fully stocked pharmacy, with all medications brought from New Zealand.

Fiji Airways provided nearly 600 kilos of free air freight to transport 53 cartons of medicines at no cost, supporting the clinic’s work. All volunteers, including doctors, paid their own airfare and expenses, with no one receiving payment.

Patients were first registered, then assessed by a nurse who directed them to the appropriate doctor depending on their needs. Point-of-care tests allowed immediate analysis of diabetes, cholesterol, and kidney function. Specialists offered advice, treatment, and prescribed medications, while mobility aids were distributed after careful assessment to ensure safety. Any leftover equipment will be donated to the government for further distribution.

Kamal Naidu, of the Government Affairs, External Partnership, and Program Development Office for the Oceania region, said the clinics are self-funded and have operated similar programs in Fiji and other Pacific nations for over 20 years. The team chose villages with local guidance and plans to expand outreach in the future, including dental care, optometry, and physiotherapy services, especially targeting rural areas and islands like Savai’i 

Judge Naiava  Tuatagaloa, who helped at the Falefa clinic, praised the outreach for bringing health services directly to villages. 

She said many people cannot travel to hospitals due to cost or transport and often don’t realise they have health issues.

“Just because they don’t feel sick doesn’t mean they are healthy.” She confirmed the team will return next year and work to raise awareness across the district. 

“The demand is there out in the villages, and we hope to continue again next year. We're very grateful for the help from our overseas counterparts here. We should continue this sort of program in the near future.”

Patients expressed gratitude for the free services. Ameko Tai, 55, from Falefa, said, “This is a great chance for me because it is the first time I don’t have to pay for my medicine.” 

Asisiga Filiipo, 72, added, “I am very happy because I have been fully checked for any sickness. I will take the medicine and see if it makes a difference. My blood pressure is quite high, but my sugar is normal, which is good. Going to the hospital is far, and medicines are often out of stock, so this visit is very helpful. It is also nice to see overseas doctors. I hope taking the medicine will make a difference.”

 Language barriers made communication challenging, so local translators, volunteers, and village elders assisted, and the registration system were adapted to ensure smooth interaction with patients.