Healthcare workers at Labasa Hospital are currently awaiting their overtime pay for September and October, with assurances from the hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci, that funds have been allocated. Additionally, he confirmed that the payment process for November will commence once government approval is obtained. Dr. Vulibeci emphasized that while the timeline for these payments is unclear, he guarantees that staff members will receive their due compensation.
Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, highlighted that the ministry only makes recommendations regarding overtime payments, with the Minister of Civil Service responsible for determining the guidelines. He reassured that efforts are ongoing to resolve the outstanding issue of unpaid overtime.
In related news, patients at Labasa Hospital may face delays in accessing critical medical services due to ongoing electrical upgrades that have stalled operations, particularly affecting the use of the CT scan machine. Dr. Vulibeci explained that the necessary funds have only recently been released, and procurement will take several months before work can commence. Patients requiring immediate CT scans are being referred to Zen’s Medical.
Additionally, these electrical upgrades have hindered the commissioning of a new incinerator, which is expected to become operational this week. As space constraints continue to challenge the Northern Division’s main hospital, the facility has resorted to using commercial containers for storage and workspace, exemplified by a containerized laboratory created due to a lack of space for a permanent structure.
Moreover, health centers in the North are experiencing a shortage of certain medicines, with approximately 10 percent of required medications currently unavailable. However, Ravunawa noted that 90 percent are in stock, and ongoing negotiations with the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services are in place to address the shortages. He reassured that generic medicines are accessible and can be administered on-site, while specialized medications remain tightly controlled.
To optimize medicine ordering, health facilities have been integrating the M-Supply tablet system and benefiting from improved solar power and internet access to streamline their processes. Such advancements aim to minimize supply issues as facilities monitor their inventory effectively.
Despite the challenges faced by both the hospital and health centers, concerted efforts are being made to enhance healthcare delivery across the region, signaling a commitment to improving patient care and operational efficiency.
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