Two women from Lekutulevu Village in Cakaudrove faced a harrowing situation last year when they were compelled to give birth on their way to the hospital due to severe flooding of a critical bridge. Villager Livia Tuimoala recounted the struggles they endure in seeking healthcare during heavy rainfall, emphasizing that the bridge at Dreketilailai has been a persistent obstacle.
Due to the absence of a health center in Lekutulevu, residents are forced to travel to Labasa for medical services. Ms. Tuimoala expressed her concerns, particularly as she has been wheelchair-bound for the past three years, fearing a deterioration in her health without nearby medical assistance. “The bridge issue continues to hinder access to vital health services,” Ms. Tuimoala remarked, stressing that the lengthy travel for check-ups or emergencies, sometimes taking hours, can create life-threatening situations.
Furthermore, she pointed out that villagers also struggle with mobile network issues, complicating their ability to call for ambulances or transport to hospitals. Despite attempts to reach out to Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima for comments, no response was obtained.
This situation highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to ensure that residents have reliable access to health care, particularly in remote areas. It is encouraging to see community voices, like Ms. Tuimoala’s, raising awareness of these critical issues, which could potentially lead to government intervention and support for better healthcare access in the future.
Summary: Residents of Lekutulevu Village face significant challenges in accessing healthcare due to a flood-prone bridge, which has led to life-threatening situations for mothers in labor. The lack of a local health center forces villagers to travel long distances for medical care, compounded by poor mobile network services. Community leaders are calling on the government to address these long-standing issues to improve health service access.
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