The Ministry of Health and Medical Services plans to transform the Coqeloa Nursing Centre in Labasa into a health centre facility. Initially upgraded to Coqeloa Health Centre a few years ago, the station lacked the necessary infrastructure and amenities.
During a site visit last Friday with Divisional Medical Officer Northern, Dr. Tiko Saumalua, Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, acknowledged that the upgrade had been more nominal than functional. “It was verbally upgraded to a health centre, but the corresponding infrastructure and support were delayed,” said Dr. Lalabalavu. “We are now in a catch-up phase.”
Dr. Lalabalavu assured the Coqeloa community and health staff that the ministry is prioritizing the necessary infrastructure and support for the facility. He confirmed that funds are available to meet these requirements.
The centre serves about 3,000 people from eight villages and 21 settlements and is operated by two doctors and five nurses.