The Ministry of Health is conducting an investigation into a significant incident that occurred at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) when an open-body surgery was unexpectedly halted due to a power outage last Monday. The ministry revealed that the backup generator failed to activate automatically, causing delays during the critical moment.
This incident happened while a visiting surgical team from New Zealand was at CWM, further spotlighting the hospital’s infrastructure issues during crucial emergency procedures. Dr. Josese Turagava, the chief pediatric surgeon at CWM, expressed his dismay at the failure, underscoring the vital need for dependable power systems, particularly during challenging seasons, such as hurricane season, when outages are more likely.
Adding to the concerns, Dr. Turagava noted that CWM has been experiencing insufficient operating theatres and staffing shortages, which complicate the delivery of care. Despite a funding allocation of $15 million from the Health Ministry intended to address these issues, necessary repairs have lagged over the past two years, with four operating theatres still in urgent need of attention.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Health is committed to reviewing the circumstances surrounding the generator’s failure and to implementing protective measures moving forward. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has reassured the community that efforts are underway to improve healthcare delivery, fostering a sense of hope regarding future enhancements.
This event not only underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements within Fiji’s healthcare system but also serves as a rallying point for community members and stakeholders who are dedicated to advocating for reform. Their collective voices aim to ensure that medical services remain safe and of high quality for all citizens.
While the incident at CWM reveals ongoing challenges within Fiji’s healthcare facilities, it also highlights the community’s resilience and determination to push for vital reforms, signaling a hopeful trajectory for the future of healthcare in the region.
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