In Lekutulevu Village, Cakaudrove, two women experienced significant distress last year when they had to give birth on their way to the hospital due to heavy flooding of a critical bridge. Villager Livia Tuimoala detailed the ongoing challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare, particularly during the rainy season.
The bridge near Dreketilailai has been a persistent issue, making travel to essential medical facilities difficult. Villagers now must travel to Labasa for healthcare as Lekutulevu lacks its own health center. Ms. Tuimoala highlighted the urgency of this situation, noting that those in need of immediate medical attention could face life-threatening delays caused by the bridge’s condition.
Additionally, she expressed concern over her health as a wheelchair-bound individual, fearing that a lack of nearby medical services could exacerbate her illness. The situation is further complicated by inadequate mobile phone service, which hampers their ability to call for ambulances or transportation during emergencies.
Ms. Tuimoala has called on the government to address this longstanding issue, emphasizing that reliable healthcare access is fundamental for the community’s well-being.
This situation underscores the pressing need for improvements in infrastructure to ensure that rural communities can access healthcare services in a timely manner, especially during adverse weather conditions. The hope is that with increased awareness, solutions will be prioritized to improve the living conditions of villagers in Cakaudrove and similar communities.
In summary, addressing the flooding issues and enhancing telecommunications in remote areas would significantly improve residents’ access to healthcare, reducing the risks associated with emergencies and ensuring better health outcomes for all.
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