The maternity ward at Navua Hospital has been assessed and found to have structural weaknesses, prompting health authorities to relocate mothers and expectant mothers to the hospital’s administration block. Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health, confirmed the findings, which were identified during recent assessments conducted to address public complaints about the facility.
In response to the infrastructure concerns, a team has been mobilized for a thorough reevaluation to ascertain the repairs needed. Dr. Tudravu reassured the public that the administration block is a robust structure suitable for patient care during this temporary transition. He stated, “We have put in place a process to reassess the maternity unit and strengthen the hospital’s infrastructure.”
This situation mirrors broader issues affecting healthcare facilities in Fiji. Similar concerns have been raised about Tavua Hospital, where urgent maintenance and upgrades are being addressed, showcasing systemic challenges in infrastructure and resource allocation across the country’s healthcare system. Notably, ongoing discussions itemizing the need for significant investment—estimated at around $4.6 billion—to modernize healthcare infrastructure in Fiji highlight the urgency of these matters.
The Ministry of Health is striving for a long-term resolution to restore the maternity ward safely for mothers and newborns. The proactive steps taken by the Ministry to secure funding and expertise are a hopeful sign towards improving the overall healthcare landscape in Fiji, underlining a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.
This situation emphasizes the importance of continuous improvements in healthcare facilities to meet the growing needs of the population while also fostering collaboration between health authorities and the community to create a more resilient healthcare system.
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