Residents of Labasa will need to wait an additional two years before the newly installed CT scan machine at Labasa Hospital becomes operational, as confirmed by hospital officials. The machine has been non-functional since its installation two years ago due to delays in necessary electrical upgrades.
Krishna Kumari, the hospital’s special administrator, stated that while the CT scan machine is ready for use, the lack of essential power supply to connect it has caused the ongoing delays. “We already have the machine. The issue is with the electrical upgrade,” she explained, noting that the Public Works Department has been working on this project since June but progress has been slow, mainly due to delays in securing a new transformer.
The electrical team from Suva is currently awaiting payment to proceed with the final upgrades. “We have been told all the electrical work will be completed within two years,” Ms. Kumari mentioned. In the interim, the hospital is dependent on private medical services to meet CT scan demands, which places an additional financial burden on residents.
Ravneel Prasad, a technician from Energy Fiji Ltd, corroborated that progress is stalled pending the required payments. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has highlighted the urgency of resolving this issue and has brought it to the attention of the Caucus, emphasizing the need for swift action to address the healthcare needs of the local community.
This situation is particularly concerning given the previous reports about Labasa Hospital. Just earlier this year, the Assistant Health Minister acknowledged that the community was facing increased costs due to the cessation of government coverage for CT scans at private facilities, making this hospital’s operational challenges even more pressing. The electrical upgrades at Labasa Hospital are seen as crucial in restoring essential medical services, and improved collaboration between the Ministry of Health and local stakeholders is anticipated to bolster healthcare infrastructure.
Despite the setbacks, the awareness and activism of community leaders signify a collective commitment to enhancing medical services in Labasa. This collaborative spirit may foster progress that improves healthcare accessibility and quality for the residents in the long term.
Leave a comment