In an unprecedented offer back in 1987, Indar Jit, a former medical technician from Nausori, volunteered to repair leaks in the gas system at Fiji’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) at no cost beyond the price of parts, estimated at around $5,000. Jit’s proposal arose after a report claimed that a complete replacement of the aging system would amount to $500,000, which he labeled a “rip-off.”
Jit, who formerly worked at CIG Fiji Ltd, approached officials from the Department of Health, including hospital superintendent Dr. Peni Rika, to discuss his plans. He stated, “I have offered my services free for a month,” explaining that any costs incurred would only pertain to spare parts and travel. He believed that his repairs could be completed within two weeks, significantly less than the cost of a total replacement.
He argued that the existing copper pipes, which are essential for oxygen transport, were manageable and that adequate maintenance could be done on the manifolds and outlets where leaks occurred. Jit refuted concerns about the dangers of gas leaks, suggesting that while there was a limited risk of fire, safety measures were in place, including supervised storage of oxygen cylinders.
Dr. Rika commented on evaluating the offer in consultation with hospital staff and CIG, indicating an openness to exploring Jit’s proposal amidst concerns about the hospital’s gas system reliability.
This offer comes at a time when Fiji’s healthcare sector faces significant challenges, including systemic issues within the CWMH highlighted in recent discussions by medical professionals regarding the hospital’s deteriorating infrastructure and operational hurdles. Advocates for reform have emphasized the urgent need for improvements in facilities, further underscoring the value of local expertise like Jit’s in addressing critical healthcare issues.
Seeing community members stepping forward with solutions, like Jit’s volunteer repair offer, reflects a hopeful spirit and dedication to improving the healthcare system, suggesting that collaborative efforts could lead to beneficial changes for Fiji’s healthcare landscape.
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