The Ministry of Health and Medical Services plans to transform Coqeloa Nursing Centre in Labasa into a fully equipped health centre.
The facility was rebranded as Coqeloa Health Centre a few years ago, but it lacked the necessary infrastructure and support typical of a health centre.
During a visit to the centre last Friday, Minister for Health and Medical Services Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, along with Divisional Medical Officer Northern Dr Tiko Saumalua, disclosed that the upgrade had been only verbal.
“It was upgraded as a health centre verbally, but the corresponding infrastructure and support were delayed,” Dr Lalabalavu stated.
He assured the Coqeloa community and healthcare staff that the ministry would prioritize the essential infrastructure and support.
When questioned about the availability of funds for the needed improvements, Dr Lalabalavu affirmed that funds were available.
The centre serves a population of around 3,000 from eight villages and 21 settlements, and it is managed by two doctors and five nurses.