Tuberculosis patients in Labasa are facing heightened health risks due to the absence of a dedicated isolation ward in the local hospital. Currently, these patients are being treated in sub-divisional hospitals that do not possess adequate facilities to ensure proper isolation.
Dr. Jaoji Vulibeci, the medical superintendent of the hospital, highlighted that the ongoing delays in the completion of the hospital’s children’s ward have led to the repurposing of the TB ward. “Now we are using the TB ward as the children’s ward at Labasa Hospital,” Dr. Vulibeci stated, underscoring the lack of a designated space for TB patients. The children’s ward has been closed for over a year for extensive renovations, which include critical electrical upgrades.
Earlier this year, Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa indicated that the children’s ward would be completed by March. However, nine months later, it remains unfinished. Mr. Ravunawa explained that delays stemmed from a change in contractors and the necessity of adhering to government protocols. He mentioned that the contractor documentation required comprehensive review by the Solicitor-General and the Minister of Finance before any appointments could be finalized.
As it stands, there is no definite timeline for the reopening of the children’s ward at Labasa Hospital. The community continues to hope for a swift resolution to this issue, as timely completion of the ward is essential to restoring appropriate services for both children and TB patients. The situation underlines the critical need for healthcare facilities to address infrastructure challenges to better serve their communities.
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