The Ministry of Health and Medical Services plans to convert Coqeloa Nursing Centre in Labasa into a fully-equipped health centre.
Although the nursing station was rebranded as Coqeloa Health Centre a few years ago, it has not yet received the necessary facilities to function as a health centre.
During a visit to the centre last Friday, Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, along with Divisional Medical Officer Northern Dr. Tiko Saumalua, disclosed that the centre’s upgrade was only in name.
“It was verbally upgraded to a health centre, but the necessary infrastructure and support were delayed,” Dr. Lalabalavu said.
“We are now working to catch up,” he added.
He assured the Coqeloa community and health staff that the ministry would prioritize the essential infrastructure and support.
When queried about the availability of funds for these upgrades, Dr. Lalabalavu confirmed that funding was available.
The centre serves a population of about 3000 people from eight villages and 21 settlements, and is staffed by two doctors and five nurses.