An open-body surgery at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital was unexpectedly interrupted on Monday due to a significant power outage, causing the operating theatre to go dark. The incident left visiting paediatric surgeon Dr. Neil Price from Melbourne Children’s Hospital describing the scene as “pitch black,” highlighting the serious risks that arise from such failures in hospital infrastructure.
Dr. Josese Turagava, CWM Hospital’s chief paediatric surgeon, expressed severe disappointment over the hospital’s condition, particularly during a hurricane when reliable power systems are crucial. He revealed that the backup generator failed to activate automatically, resulting in a 20-minute delay until staff sought help from the senior divisional medical officer. Dr. Turagava remarked, “If this is happening in our main tertiary hospital, you can imagine what smaller hospitals and island clinics are facing,” calling urgent attention to the deteriorating healthcare infrastructure in Fiji.
This troubling incident illuminates ongoing challenges at CWM Hospital, including non-functional operating theatres and staffing shortages that have intensified pressures on medical personnel. Despite a $15 million funding allocation from the Health Ministry, Dr. Turagava noted that little progress has been made on essential repairs over the past two years, stating, “We still have four operating theatres that need urgent repairs.”
The challenges in Fiji’s healthcare system extend beyond individual hospital incidents—medical experts have cited a critical shortage of around 2,000 hospital beds as part of a broader systemic issue. Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing president of the Fiji Medical Association, highlighted the urgent financial need of approximately $4.46 billion to upgrade facilities to meet contemporary healthcare standards.
Amid these obstacles, the recently introduced CWM Hospital master plan brings a hopeful perspective, aiming to tackle these pressing issues. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu provided assurances to the public that improvements in healthcare delivery are actively being pursued, fostering optimism for the future.
Fiji’s community remains steadfast in advocating for necessary reforms, demonstrating resilience and commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for all citizens. These concerted efforts will be crucial in ensuring a brighter and healthier future for the nation.
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