Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed serious challenges in Fiji’s ambulance service, revealing that only 19 ambulances are currently operational nationwide, while 10 are out of service for repairs. During his column “A Conversation with the PM,” he addressed public concern over health services, specifically the existing inadequacies in emergency response.
Major hospitals are significantly affected, with the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) limited to just three working ambulances. The situation is similarly dire at Labasa Hospital, which has three operational units but one is not functional. Alarmingly, the Eastern Division has no operational ambulances at all, compounding the issues faced by citizens in need of emergency care.
Despite these alarming statistics, Prime Minister Rabuka reassured that ambulance services remain free of charge for all patients and indicated that the government is taking steps to rectify the situation. He announced the formation of a National Ambulance Committee tasked with improving service delivery and fleet management. The government is already reallocating divisional health budgets to ensure ongoing maintenance and upgrades to the ambulance fleet.
Rabuka outlined measures to enhance these services, including providing proper signage, installing infection-prevention upholstery, and ensuring the availability of life-saving equipment like portable defibrillators and cardiac monitors.
This significant focus on improving emergency healthcare is echoed in recent developments, such as the National Fire Authority’s (NFA) launch of new ambulance services, supported by substantial government funding aimed at expanding and enhancing emergency response capabilities. With a budget allocation of $2.1 million for the upcoming fiscal year, the NFA is working to improve community access to advanced ambulance services.
As proactive measures are implemented, there is a hopeful outlook for the enhancement of emergency medical services across Fiji. Continued investment and attention to ambulance operations point to a future where timely and effective healthcare becomes the norm, fostering a stronger healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens.
Leave a comment