The Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, has issued a firm warning to residents of Fiji’s remote maritime islands about the critical need to protect health workers and government officials serving their communities. This advisory comes in the wake of a disturbing incident that involved the alleged harassment of a nurse on duty, which has led to the temporary closure of the Ono-i-Lau Health Centre.
Ravunawa noted that the case is currently before the courts, involving a 23-year-old male accused of the harassment. Due to safety concerns, the Ministry of Health made the difficult decision to withdraw the health worker from the area.
Despite the closure of the health center, Ravunawa assured the public that health services are not entirely halted. Village health workers are still providing support, and the Ministry is actively communicating with the Eastern Divisional Office to assess the needs of the community, particularly for elderly residents on the islands of Dakuni and Doi.
Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding frontline workers, Ravunawa remarked, “This is a stern warning to members of the public, especially in very remote maritime islands, to ensure the safety of health workers and government civil servants posted to their communities.” He pointed out the challenges health workers face in these isolated areas, emphasizing the high costs and logistical difficulties associated with transporting patients from outer islands to mainland facilities.
For the time being, the Ono-i-Lau Health Centre will remain closed pending the court’s decision, but the Ministry of Health is committed to monitoring the situation closely. The Assistant Minister reiterated the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of those providing essential services, highlighting the collective responsibility to protect healthcare workers, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
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