The Coqeloa Health Centre in Labasa is preparing to receive its first disability-friendly ablution block by the end of next month.
The $12,000 project, funded by the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North committee, is currently under construction and will include gender-specific toilet facilities.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, along with Divisional Medical Officer Northern Dr. Tiko Saumalua, visited the centre on Friday to meet with committee president Zaheen Ibrahim and treasurer Jagat Prasad.
“Thank you so much for this partnership and for assisting in our service delivery,” Dr. Lalabalavu said. “The centre serves a large population of about 3,000 people from eight villages and 21 settlements, and this assistance is much needed.”
The health centre is staffed by two doctors and five nurses.
Ms. Ibrahim explained that the project, proposed by committee member Vincent Sahayam, was prioritized for completion before the 2024 festival.
“The construction began three weeks ago and will be fully accessible, including for individuals using wheelchairs,” Ms. Ibrahim said. “Our committee has been collaborating with the ministry for over a decade.”
She noted that funds from previous festivals have been used to construct a mortuary at Wainikoro Health Centre, a waiting shed at Lekutu Health Centre, Northern Division’s only dialysis centre, and for maintenance work at Labasa Hospital wards.