The Friends of the Pacific Foundation (FPF) is a New Zealand-based trust that has had experience in the provision of charitable medical services and health programmes to the Pacific, particularly Fiji. It understands some of the reasons for the difficulties experienced by both the governments and the NGOs, agencies, organisations and individuals who wish to contribute in the form of humanitarian medical services, to improve the health services to the poor and needy.
The objectives of the Foundation are to:
coordinate the delivery of charitable services, including medical, educational and economic services to the people of the Pacific
provide advice to the Governments of the Pacific and their departments and agencies on the delivery of any charitable services to their people
advise, coordinate or deliver supplies, including medical and educational, to institutions, agencies, service providers, organizations or individuals who provide services or assistance to the people of the Pacific
raise funds to assist in the delivery of equipment, services and advice or advise charitable organizations on fund raising for their activities
provide other support and assistance consistent with this charitable purpose.
The Friends of the Pacific Foundation was initially formed to provide Deepak Tahal with support to organise the co-ordination of the provision of medical services, equipment and other charitable needs to the Pacific. Deepak arranged for the collection, shipping and distribution of over 60 containers of medical equipment and consumables to hospitals, medical clinics and missions in Fiji.
It became apparent to Deepak that while the medical missions from various countries, including New Zealand, provided much-needed relief for many people, they often interrupted the normal medical services and tied up hospital beds and resources. There needed to be a structured and organised approach. He developed a “model of service” for the coordination and logistical support for medical missions. While his focus had been Fiji, he realised that there were identical demands to other countries in the Pacific.
Trustees:
Vinod Kumar
Bikal Tahal
Paul Stevenson
