A concerning incident occurred at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM) in Suva, where a power outage during a fire emergency led to the manual resuscitation of newborns requiring oxygen. This situation arose after a fire destroyed the old Birthing Unit nearby. Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Penioni Ravunawa, confirmed the incident and commended the hospital staff for their quick and calm response. Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities.
Dr. Ravunawa noted that the hospital’s backup generator, an older model donated by the Government of Japan, required manual activation. He emphasized that improvements in the electrical systems of all health facilities are necessary due to rising service demands and an increased population. Consequently, the Ministry of Health is working on submissions for enhancements not only at CWM but also in other regions such as Labasa, Navua, and Tavua.
Reflecting on previous similar incidents, it is clear that the aging infrastructure poses significant risks during emergencies. Community advocates have increasingly called for urgent reforms to ensure that healthcare facilities are adequately equipped to handle such critical situations. Dr. Josese Turagava, the chief pediatric surgeon at CWM, has been vocal about the urgent need for reliable power systems, highlighting the particular risks faced during hurricane seasons.
While the recent incident underscores the vulnerabilities within Fiji’s healthcare system, it also ignites hope for reform as awareness grows around these infrastructural challenges. The collective advocacy for better healthcare access and quality paves the way toward a more reliable future in Fiji’s medical services.
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