An average of 200 children in Fiji are diagnosed with congenital heart disease yearly.

This has been confirmed by Sai Prema Foundation Medical Coordinator Dr Krupali Tappoo

Dr Tappoo says one third or half of that number will require surgery in the first year of life.

Dr Tappoo who is part of the Sai Prema Foundation team says they have successfully conducted heart surgery on twelve children since Monday.

“Sometimes they may not really have any symptoms but they end up with complications some maybe wondering what are the symptoms and you know children who feel short of breath when they play ,they look blue,they had chest pain when they walking or doing exercise or they not gaining weight in the normal weight that they should be .

The Foundation team has already performed 54 surgeries since 2016 and effectively saving $5.4 million for their families.