Labasa Hospital has successfully settled a significant outstanding debt owed to a private facility for CT scan services, as confirmed by the hospital’s medical superintendent Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci. This step comes amid ongoing challenges concerning medical imaging services in the region.
Dr. Vulibeci stated, “We’ve already paid what we owed,” addressing concerns raised by the community regarding the hospital’s operational capabilities. Local patients had been referred to the private hospital for CT scans due to the unavailability of Labasa Hospital’s own CT scanner, which has been non-operational for more than two years. The private facility’s refusal to accept local purchase orders has added to the troubles, forcing the hospital to navigate these restrictions without formal communication.
As a result of these complications, many patients are being redirected to Suva for necessary scans, which can pose a financial burden due to airfare and accommodation costs. For same-day returns, the hospital covers airfare, but overnight patients are responsible for their own meals and lodging expenses. Although the private hospital is still an option for Labasa residents seeking CT scans, the costs will now fall on patients, as the previous arrangement has ceased.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, recent reports highlight systemic issues faced by Labasa Hospital, including the new CT scan machine installed two years ago that remains inactive due to inadequate electrical infrastructure. This has highlighted significant needs for electrical upgrades within the facility to ensure the machine can operate efficiently. Currently, the Ministry of Health is reportedly working alongside Energy Fiji Ltd and other stakeholders to expedite these upgrades. Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa indicated that this infrastructure failure limits the hospital’s ability to serve the Northern Division effectively, which plays a critical role in medical referrals.
Community leaders and health authorities are now united in a concerted effort to enhance healthcare services at Labasa Hospital. There’s a renewed sense of optimism fueled by plans for electrical improvements, which promise to restore essential medical services, thereby easing the financial strain on local residents who rely on these crucial healthcare services. This proactive approach signifies hope for a healthier future, as infrastructure developments may ultimately lead to more accessible and reliable healthcare for the people of Labasa.
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