After months of relying on outsourced ambulance services, the residents of Rewa have received a significant boost to their healthcare capabilities with the introduction of a new ambulance. The Ministry of Health officially handed over six newly donated ambulances, made possible by a donation from Japan in April, to local medical officers and designated drivers today.
Dr. Charlie Rasue, the Rewa Sub-Divisional Medical Officer, expressed optimism about the impact of the new ambulance, stating, “What the ambulance will do is ensure that patients are transported in a timely manner, most likely or always to the CWM Hospital.” He highlighted the challenges previously faced as the staff had to coordinate emergency transport daily with external providers, leading to delays and added logistical burdens. The introduction of the new ambulance is expected to significantly alleviate these issues, ensuring prompt medical care for patients.
Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, emphasized the importance of this donation, viewing it as a vital step toward enhancing community-level healthcare. He also underscored the need for vehicle maintenance, reminding attendees of a non-operational ambulance displayed during the handover, signifying the potential consequences of neglecting proper care for such critical resources.
This development aligns with ongoing efforts by the Fijian government to address challenges in the healthcare system, as highlighted in a recent acknowledgment by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the limited number of operational ambulances nationwide, with only 19 functional ambulances reported across Fiji. Such persistent challenges underline the necessity of initiatives like the establishment of a National Ambulance Committee aimed at improving service delivery and fleet management.
The positive outlook fostered by the new ambulance service, along with government commitments to enhance emergency healthcare infrastructure, signals a hopeful trend towards better healthcare accessibility and responsiveness across Fiji. As further investments and upgrades are planned, the people of Rewa can look forward to improved emergency medical services that prioritize timely care and overall community health.
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