The Ministry of Health and Medical Services plans to transform Coqeloa Nursing Centre in Labasa into a fully equipped health centre.
The facility had been rebranded as Coqeloa Health Centre a few years ago, but it lacked the necessary infrastructure and support typical of a health centre.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, during a visit to the centre last Friday with Divisional Medical Officer Northern Dr Tiko Saumalua, revealed that the upgrade had been nominal.
“It was upgraded to a health centre in name only and did not receive the required infrastructure and support,” Dr. Lalabalavu stated. “We are now in the process of catching up.”
Dr. Lalabalavu assured the Coqeloa community and health staff that the ministry would prioritize providing the much-needed infrastructure and support.
When questioned about funding availability for the necessary improvements, he confirmed that funds were indeed available.
The centre caters to a population of around 3,000 people from eight villages and 21 settlements. It is currently staffed by two doctors and five nurses.