UNITY Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry have expressed serious concerns regarding alarming deficiencies within Fiji’s healthcare system, particularly highlighted by the prolonged delay in operating a CT scan machine at Labasa Hospital. This essential piece of medical equipment has been rendered unused for two years due to ongoing electrical system issues and a lack of management foresight.
Mr. Narube has called for a comprehensive and independent inquiry, asserting that the healthcare sector is “buckling under the seams” due to years of mismanagement and insufficient planning. He pointed out that the inoperative CT scanner epitomizes broader governance failures, stressing, “This is tragic as we are dealing with people’s lives.”
In response to comments from Labasa Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci, Mr. Narube noted that the problems extend beyond merely funding issues, indicating a combination of unmet operational needs and inadequate infrastructural updates. “There are operational issues that have not been repaired for a long time,” he stated, emphasizing that simply bringing in new machines won’t resolve the operational challenges.
Echoing Narube’s sentiments, Mr. Chaudhry denounced the situation as “inexcusable” and insisted that firm action be taken against those accountable. He articulated that the Ministry of Health should have ensured the electrical preparations were completed prior to the machine’s arrival, as further delays potentially cost lives. Mr. Chaudhry also brought to attention the non-functional X-ray machine at Savusavu Hospital, indicating that patients are being burdened financially since they are forced to seek imaging services at private clinics.
The CT scanner, deemed essential for the Northern Division, remains idle while the hospital awaits the necessary funds to facilitate an electrical connection. Both leaders attributed this ongoing delay to “poor management and the incompetence of individuals.”
Significantly, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the Health Minister, has acknowledged infrastructure constraints, clarifying that steps are being taken to address these long-standing issues, including a forthcoming installation of a new transformer and power board at Labasa Hospital. This upgrade is anticipated to not only enable the operation of the CT scanner but also enhance overall electrical capacity within the facility.
While the situation is deeply troubling for healthcare accessibility in the region, the concerted efforts between community leaders and the government highlight a collective yearning for improvement in Fiji’s healthcare system. With ongoing discussions about necessary infrastructure upgrades and the community’s readiness to advocate for essential medical services, there exists a sense of hope for a more resilient healthcare framework that can better serve the needs of the Fijian population.
Leave a comment